UNESCO Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads photo contest

Application Deadline: 31 July 2023 (by midnight, GMT +2)

UNESCO calls on young people around the world, aged 14 to 25 years old, to pick up their cameras and send their best photos to the 5th edition of the Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads contest.

The UNESCO Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads photo contest is part of the Organization’s Silk Roads Programme and Social and Human Sciences Sector. It promotes photography as a tool for encouraging cultural interaction, helping build mutual understanding, and promoting peace amongst the people living in the regions connected by the Silk Roads. 

This year, the themes are Architecture, Monuments, and Urbanism. Entries may focus on either of these, while concentrating on mutual influences shared by people along the Silk Roads. 

Photographers interested in exploring the theme of Architecture, Monuments, and Urbanism along the Silk Roads might capture the:

• Grandeur of ancient and medieval cities along the Silk Roads, including their monumental citadels, temples, mosques, and palaces;
• Internal architecture and designs of the historic monuments and places;
• Mix of architectural styles and motifs found in the Silk Roads cities, reflects the diverse artistic influences across the region;
• Modern cities and monuments that continue to reflect the legacy of the Silk Roads, such as towering skyscrapers and museums;
• Impact of urbanism and architecture on the people and communities of the Silk Roads, from traditional neighbourhoods to modern urban sprawl;
• Role of architecture and urbanism in promoting sustainable development and cultural heritage preservation along the Silk Roads, and its impact on local communities.

Photo entries will be examined by an International Selection Committee composed of the following photographers: GMB AKASH (Bangladesh), Fatimah Hossaini (Afghanistan), Liang Li (China), Gulnara Samoilova (USA), Mustafa Seven (Türkiye), and Osama Silwadi (Palestine)

Key Information:

• Two Categories: 14 to 17 years old and 18 to 25 years old
• Prize: Three winners in each age category will receive a professional camera. First place winners will receive a professional camera. Second place winners will receive a semi-professional camera. Third place winners will win a standard-model digital camera. 

In addition, around 60 of the best photos from the contest will appear in a professional photo album and will be showcased in an exhibition held in various locations around the world (subject to Covid-19 restrictions).

• Themes: Architecture, Monuments, and Urbanism

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the UNESCO Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads Photo Contest 2023