UNESCO Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads Photo Contest

UNESCO's Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads Photo Contest (8th edition) invites young people worldwide aged 14 to 25 to submit photographs under the 2026 theme “Living Heritage along the Silk Roads. ” The contest aims to showcase how traditions, cultural expressions, and ritual practices reflect interconnected histories across the Silk Roads regions, with suggested subjects including traditional craftsmanship, music and dance, culinary traditions, intercommunity gatherings, and portraits capturing cultural identity and everyday life.

Entries will be reviewed by an International Selection Committee. Winners in each age category (14 to 17 and 18 to 25) receive camera prizes (professional, semi-professional, and standard digital models).

Approximately 60 standout photographs will be published in the “Youth Lens on the Silk Roads” photo album and may be included in exhibitions organized worldwide, offering participants visibility and professional exposure. Interested participants should submit their photo entries via the contest website.

The submission deadline is 30 June 2026 (see application deadline for time zone details).