UNESCO Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads International Photo Contest 2026 Organized by UNESCO’s Silk Roads Programme, this international contest invites young people from around the world to capture the beauty of cultural diversity, traditions, and shared heritage connected by the historic Silk Roads.

About UNESCO and the Silk Roads Programme:

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) works to promote peace and international cooperation through education, science, and culture.

The Silk Roads Programme is one of UNESCO’s key initiatives, focusing on cultural exchange and mutual understanding among countries connected by the ancient Silk Roads. Through this contest, UNESCO encourages young people to explore and celebrate living heritage and cultural connections across regions.

Contest Theme 2026

“Living Heritage along the Silk Roads”

Participants are encouraged to capture traditions, cultural expressions, rituals, architecture, and everyday life that reflect the shared history and diversity of Silk Roads communities.

Quick Overview:

Organizer: UNESCO Silk Roads Programme
Contest Name: Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads International Photo Contest 2026
Theme: Living Heritage along the Silk Roads
Eligibility: Youth aged 14–25 years worldwide
Entry Limit: 1 to 20 photos
Application Fee: None
Deadline: 30 June 2026

Winners will receive exciting photography awards, including:

Professional DSLR camera (with lens kit)
Semi-professional digital camera
Standard digital camera

In addition to prizes, selected photos may be featured in UNESCO exhibitions and global publications.

Benefits of the Contest:

Showcase their photography talent on an international platform
Gain global recognition from UNESCO
Win professional photography equipment
Contribute to cultural preservation and storytelling
Take part in international exhibitions and campaigns

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be between 14 and 25 years old
• Belong to one of two age categories: 14–17 or 18–25
• Have access to the internet for submission
• Submit entries as an individual (no group submissions allowed)
• Obtain parental/guardian consent if under 18

Participants must follow these rules when submitting photos:

• Submit 1 to 20 original JPEG/JPG images
• Minimum resolution: 1500 pixels (width or height)
• Photos must reflect the contest theme
• Only minor edits allowed (brightness, contrast, cropping, color correction)
• No AI-generated or heavily manipulated images allowed
• Images must not include personal or sensitive information
• High-resolution files may be required for exhibition use if selected

By submitting photos, participants agree that:

They are the rightful copyright owners of all submitted images
UNESCO may use submitted photos for promotional and educational purposes
Winning entries may be published on websites, social media, and exhibitions
Photographers will be credited appropriately as: © Name of Photographer / UNESCO
Submitted work may be used for non-commercial promotional purposes
Legal disputes will be handled under international arbitration rules

Follow these steps to enter the contest:

1. Create an account on the official UNESCO contest website
2. Complete the online application form carefully
3. Upload 1 to 20 eligible photographs
4. Review your submission before final submission
5. Submit the application before the deadline
6. Wait for confirmation and evaluation results

Apply Here