The 7th edition of the Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads International Photo Contest 2026 invites young photographers worldwide to capture the essence of the Silk Roads. Through the lens of their cameras, participants can express their understanding of this shared heritage and contribute to raising awareness about global issues.

UNESCO organizes the contest, which fosters cultural exchange and promotes peace among diverse populations. The 8th edition of the competition is themed “Living Heritage along the Silk Roads”, and young photographers are invited to capture how traditions, cultural expressions, and ritual practices reflect the interconnected histories of peoples across these regions

Young participants may draw inspiration from, but are not limited to:

• Shared traditional knowhow, artisans practicing crafts such as weaving, embroidery, ceramics, or pottery or other expressions of living cultural heritage.
• Traditional sports and games practiced or transmitted across generations.
• Music, musical instruments, dance, or oral storytelling performed within communities.
• Culinary traditions, gastronomy, and food production passed down through generations.
• The living transmission of knowledge, skills and ideas that have fuelled the dynamic cultural and intellectual exchanges of the Silk Roads.
• Intercommunity and multicultural gatherings during celebrations, life milestones, or everyday moments in diverse societies.
• Portraits of individuals and communities from Silk Roads regions capturing their cultural identity, resilience, and knowledge, as well as moments of joy, celebration, learning, and everyday life

Objectives:

Familiarity with the cultural heritage of the Silk Road regions will facilitate coordination and understanding of each culture.

Key Details

• Application Deadline: 30 June 2026, at 23:59:59 (GMT+2)
• Result Announcement: mid-September 2026
• Funding Type: Free-of-charge
• Organizer: The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization  (UNESCO)
• Supported by: China World Peace Foundation
• Eligible Countries: Open to all countries
• Eligible Gender: All genders
• Target Group: Youth aged 14 to 25
• Focus Area/Field: Photography, Cultural Heritage
• Number of Opportunities: Multiple awards available
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Online contest hosted by UNESCO
• Competition themes: Life Celebrations

Benefits

In each of the age categories, three winners will receive the following awards:

• 1st Award: Professional digital single-lens reflex camera with 18-55mm lens
• 2nd Award: Semi-professional digital camera
• 3rd Award: Digital camera

Competition and Eligibility

The following are the general requirements for the UNESCO Youth Eyes On the Silk Roads International Photo Contest:

• Applications are open to individuals aged 14 to 25 globally (except UNESCO and China World Peace Foundation staff and their families)
• Entrants must meet the two age categories: 14–17 and 18–25
• Minors must submit written consent from a legal guardian
• Upload up to 20 photos (JPEG/JPG, minimum 1500px wide/tall) via the Participation page
• Include a caption for each photo or series
• Internet access required
• One entry per person — no entries on behalf of others
• Full acceptance of contest rules is mandatory; non-compliance leads to disqualification

Required Materials

Please include these materials in your application package:

• Written permission from legal guardians for minors.
• High-resolution photographs in JPEG/JPG format.
• Captions for each picture.
• Declaration of originality and compliance with contest rules.

How to Apply?

Applicants must send their taken photos via online application following the steps below:

1. Visit the Participation page on the UNESCO website, which can be accessed by clicking the link below.
2. Upload a maximum of 20 photographs meeting the specified quality criteria.
3. Include captions for each picture.
4. Confirm acceptance of contest rules and guidelines before the deadline.

Apply Now 

For further details and updates, visit the official UNESCO Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads Photo Contest website or read the Terms and Conditions.

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