The UNESCO Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads Photo Contest 2026 invites young photographerage. The eighth edition of the contest is organized within the framework of UNESCO’s Silk Roads Programme. It is open to participants aged 14 to 25. Entries must be submitted by Tuesday, 30 June 2026, at 23:59:59 (GMT +2).
Programme Snapshot
Programme: Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads International Photo Contest
Category: International Photo Contest
Edition: Eighth Edition
Organizer: UNESCO Silk Roads Programme
Theme: Living Heritage along the Silk Roads
Eligible Applicants: Young people from around the world aged 14 to 25
Age Categories: 14 to 17 years old and 18 to 25 years old
Application Deadline: Tuesday, 30 June 2026, at 23:59:59 (GMT +2)
About the UNESCO Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads Photo Contest 2026
The contest promotes photography as a medium for encouraging cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and peace among communities across the Silk Roads regions.
For the 2026 edition, young photographers are invited to explore the theme “Living Heritage along the Silk Roads.” Participants can capture traditions, cultural expressions, and ritual practices that reflect the interconnected histories of communities across these regions.
Photo Theme and Suggested Topics
Participants may draw inspiration from topics including:
• Traditional knowledge and crafts such as weaving, embroidery, ceramics, and pottery.
• Traditional sports and games practiced across generations.
• Music, musical instruments, dance, and oral storytelling.
• Culinary traditions, gastronomy, and food production.
• The transmission of knowledge, skills, and ideas across the Silk Roads.
• Intercommunity and multicultural gatherings.
• Portraits of individuals and communities reflecting cultural identity, resilience, and knowledge.
• Moments of joy, celebration, learning, and everyday life.
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Who Can Participate?
The UNESCO Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads Photo Contest 2026 is open to young people from around the world.
Applicants must enter one of the following age categories:
• 14 to 17 years old
• 18 to 25 years old
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Prizes for Selected Winners
Three winners will be selected in each age category.
The prizes include:
✓ First Prize: Professional camera
✓ Second Prize: Semi-professional camera
✓ Third Prize: Standard-model digital camera
In addition, around 60 of the best photographs will be featured in the professional photo album “Youth Lens on the Silk Roads.” Selected photographs may also be showcased in exhibitions organized worldwide.
Selection Process
Photo entries will be reviewed by an International Selection Committee.
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How to Submit an Entry
Participants should review the official contest details and follow the participation instructions provided through the official submission page.
Application Deadline
The deadline to submit an entry is Tuesday, 30 June 2026, at 23:59:59 (GMT +2).
Apply Here
Submit your entry through the official participation link below.
Participate in the Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads International Photo Contest
