IYE is an international exchange project in which young people of Hokkaido and nine countries gather together and enjoy various hands-on programs under the main theme of “ecology.” Learning different languages and customs, the youths deepen their intercultural understanding. Friendship fostered through the program will be a step toward a peaceful future for these youths.

Forerunners of IYE are two international youth-oriented events: the International Junior Art Camp (1987 − 1999), which was begun in 1987 to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Hokkaido Shimbun Press, and the World Youth Fest in Hokkaido (2000 − 2004). The latter was renamed IYE in 2005 and is organized by a committee composed of various local organizations, including the Hokkaido Government and The Hokkaido Shimbun Press.

Utilizing various art media, the IYE youths work together to produce original objects of art. The art activity, one of IYE's main programs, is planned and organized by students of the Hokkaido University of Education. Each year they work hard to have IYE participants enjoy memorable experiences that they will cherish for a long time.