UNESCO Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads International Photo Contest
by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)
Win a Trip & Pro Camera
UNESCO Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads International Photo Contest is a competition by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) for children aged 14–25, open to students across India. Registration closes 30 Jun 2026. It is free to take part.
Mode
Online
Fee
Free
Duration
Not Applicable
Format
Individual
Time needed
Flexible, based on participant's schedule for photography and submission. Submissions must be completed by the deadline.
Key Dates
- Registration opens
- 8 Apr 2026
- Registration closes
- 30 Jun 2026
- Competition
- 8 Apr 2026 – 30 Jun 2026
- Results
- 15 Nov 2026
Online · Official UNESCO Contest Website
About This Opportunity
The UNESCO Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads Photo Contest is an annual international competition that encourages young people to explore and visually capture the rich cultural heritage and diverse identities along the historic Silk Roads. This initiative aims to foster cultural interaction, mutual understanding, and peace among people from various regions connected by these ancient routes. It encourages participants to use photography as a powerful tool for communication and self-expression.
This contest is open to young individuals aged 14 to 25 years old from any country. Participants are divided into two age categories: 14-17 years old and 18-25 years old. The theme for the 7th edition is "Women, Guardians of Silk Roads Heritage," focusing on the essential roles women play in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage. Minors must provide written permission from their legal guardian to participate.
Winners in each age category receive professional, semi-professional, or standard digital cameras. Additionally, around 60 of the best photographs will be featured in a professional photo album titled "Youth Lens on the Silk Roads" and may be showcased in exhibitions organized worldwide. This offers significant international recognition and exposure for young photographers.
The contest provides a unique opportunity for young people to connect in a digital space, share their creativity, and contribute to a more inclusive world where intercultural dialogue thrives. It highlights the enduring influence of women in promoting cultural exchange and building peaceful societies.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Age Range
- 14 - 25 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
None
Open to young people aged 14 to 25 years old from any country. Participants are divided into two age categories: 14-17 years old and 18-25 years old. Minors must provide written permission from their legal guardian. Employees of UNESCO and the China World Peace Foundation, along with their family members, are not eligible. Participants must have access to the internet.
Does your child qualify?
WiWit checks eligibility against your child's class, age, and location, and finds more opportunities like this one.
Academic Details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
There is no specific curriculum.
Rewards & Recognition
Prizes
Win Cameras & a Trip
First, second, and third place winners in each of the two age categories are awarded professional, semi-professional, or standard digital cameras. Additionally, winners receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the awards ceremony. For winners under 17, a family member can accompany them.
Certificate
Certificate from UNESCO
Winners and honourable mentions receive a certificate of recognition from UNESCO, acknowledging their achievement in this prestigious international contest.
Recognized by
Opens doors to
Winning or being featured in a prestigious UNESCO competition provides a strong portfolio piece for university applications, especially in arts, humanities, media studies, and international relations. It demonstrates creativity, cultural awareness, and global engagement.
Career pathways
The international exposure and recognition from UNESCO can significantly boost a career in photography, photojournalism, or visual arts. The published work serves as a powerful addition to a professional portfolio, opening doors to further artistic and cultural projects.
Recognition
Global UNESCO Recognition
Skills your child builds
Highlights
- Focus on the cultural heritage of the Silk Roads.
- Annual international contest with a specific theme each year.
- Opportunity for global exposure and publication in a professional photo album.
- Promotes intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding through visual arts.
Rounds & format
Participants submit their photographs online. An International Selection Committee reviews all entries based on originality, creativity, photographic quality, and relevance to the theme.
How entries are judged
Photographs will be selected based on their originality, creativity, photographic quality, and relevance to the theme "Women, Guardians of Silk Roads Heritage". The choice will be made at the discretion of the Selection Committee.
Selection process
Selection is based on the artistic merit, thematic relevance, and technical quality of the submitted photographs. The International Selection Committee evaluates entries for originality, creativity, and how well they encapsulate the contest theme.
How to apply
- 1Participants must create an account on the official contest website.
- 2Upload a maximum of 20 photographs, each with a caption.
- 3All submissions must be in JPEG or JPG format.
- 4Ensure photographs meet the minimum resolution requirements (at least 1,500 pixels wide for horizontal images and 1,500 pixels tall for vertical images).
How to prepare
- Review past winning entries on the UNESCO Silk Roads website.
- Familiarize yourself with the history and cultural diversity of the Silk Roads.
- Research the theme "Women, Guardians of Silk Roads Heritage" for inspiration.
- Practice photography techniques and composition.
Fees & financial support
Fee details
Participation in the UNESCO Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads Photo Contest is free of charge. Participants are responsible for any expenses incurred in the creation and submission of photographs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to register for UNESCO Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads International Photo Contest?
The registration deadline is 30 Jun 2026.
Is UNESCO Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads International Photo Contest free?
This opportunity is free to participate in.
Who can participate in UNESCO Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads International Photo Contest?
children aged 14-25.
What will my child gain from UNESCO Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads International Photo Contest?
First place winners receive a professional digital camera.. Second place winners receive a semi-professional digital camera.. Third place winners receive a standard-model digital camera.. Around 60 best photos will be featured in the professional photo album “Youth Lens on the Silk Roads”.. Opportunity for selected photos to be showcased in exhibitions worldwide.. Winners receive an all-expenses paid trip to the awards ceremony (for those under 17, one family member may accompany).. Gain international recognition from UNESCO.. Develop and showcase photography skills on a global platform.. Contribute to promoting cultural interaction and mutual understanding..
Share with other parents
Is this the right fit for your child?
WiWit matches opportunities to your child's class, interests, and skills, not a generic list. Save this and get reminders before the deadline closes.
Categories
WiWit
Don't miss what your child actually qualifies for
There are hundreds more opportunities like this one. WiWit matches them to your child's class, interests, and skills, so you find the right ones without searching through everything.
- Matched to your child's class, age, and interests
- Deadline reminders so you never miss registration
- Every opportunity verified before it's listed
Related Opportunities
Asian Regional Space Settlement Design Competition (ARSSDC)
by Atlantis Erudition & Travel Services Pvt. Ltd.
The Asian Regional Space Settlement Design Competition (ARSSDC) is a prestigious space engineering design challenge for high school students across Asia, simulating real-world aerospace industry work.
What your child could gain:
Indian Nationals Space Settlement Design Competition (INSSDC)
by Atlantis Erudition & Travel Services Pvt. Ltd.
A national-level competition for Indian high school students to design innovative space settlements, offering a direct pathway to international finals at NASA. Teams collaborate to create detailed proposals for future space habitats.
What your child could gain:
International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC)
by Aerospace Education Competitions (AEC)
The International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC) is a global aerospace engineering challenge for high school students to design space settlements, fostering STEM skills and teamwork.
What your child could gain: