The UNESCO Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads photo contest, is organized within the framework of UNESCO's Silk Roads Programme, this initiative promotes photography as a powerful medium to encourage cultural exchange, foster mutual understanding, and promote peace among communities across the Silk Roads regions.

For this 2026 edition, under the theme “Living Heritage along the Silk Roads”, 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.

Key Information:

Deadline:

Tuesday 30 June 2026, at 23:59:59 (GMT +2)

Age Categories: Two categories:

• 14 to 17 years old  

• 18 to 25 years old

Prizes: Three winners in each age category will receive cameras:

• First prize: Professional camera

• Second prize: Semi-professional camera

• Third prize: Standard-model digital camera

Visibility:

Additionally, around 60 of the best photos from the contest will be featured in the professional photo album “Youth Lens on the Silk Roads” and may be showcased in exhibitions organized worldwide.

Website: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/join-2026-youth-eyes-silk-roads-photo-contest