Are you a young photographer passionate about cultural heritage, women’s empowerment, and storytelling through visuals? The UNESCO Silk Roads Programme invites youth from around the world to participate in the Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads 2025 Photo Contest. This global competition highlights the role of women as guardians of heritage along the historic Silk Roads.
Whether you’re 14 or 25, this is your chance to capture stories that matter and win professional photography gear — while joining a global movement celebrating diversity and cultural resilience.
About the Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads 2025 Photo Contest
The Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads 2025 Photo Contest is the 7th edition of UNESCO’s annual international photography competition. Organized under the Silk Roads Programme, this contest engages youth in promoting dialogue, peace, and heritage appreciation along the ancient trade routes that once connected the East and West.
Theme:
“Women, Guardians of Silk Roads Heritage”
Participants are encouraged to visually explore and document how women continue to preserve the cultural heritage of the Silk Roads — through crafts, music, storytelling, food, education, and more.
Key Dates & Deadlines
- Submission Opens: May 26, 2025
- Deadline to Apply: July 20, 2025 at 23:59:59 GMT+2
Who Can Apply?
- Age Categories:
- 14–17 years
- 18–25 years
- Open to youth worldwide
- Entries can include 1–20 original photographs per applicant
Prizes & Recognition
For each age category, winners will receive:
- 🥇 1st Prize: Professional digital camera
- 🥈 2nd Prize: Semi-professional camera
- 🥉 3rd Prize: Standard digital camera
Additional Recognition:
- Top 60 photographs will be featured in UNESCO’s official photo album:
“Youth Lens on the Silk Roads” - Selected entries may be showcased in international exhibitions
What to Submit
Participants must upload:
- 1 to 20 original JPG/JPEG images (min. 1,500 px on the long side)
- If under 18: Parental consent form (required)
- No watermarks, logos, or identifying marks on the image
Suggested Themes:
- Women in traditional crafts, music, dance, or food
- Women as cultural educators, merchants, or storytellers
- Portraits of women preserving intangible heritage
- Multicultural events led or preserved by women
How to Apply
Interested photographers can submit their entries through the official portal below:
👉 Click here to apply now
👉 Read more about the UNESCO Silk Roads Programme
📧 Questions? Contact: silkroadsphotocontest@unesco.org
🧠 Expert Tips from GrantsDatabase.org
“To stand out in international competitions like this, it’s not just about stunning visuals — it’s about powerful storytelling. Make sure each image you submit reflects the theme clearly, and include a strong caption that explains the cultural relevance. Authenticity and clarity matter most.”
— Grant Experts, GrantsDatabase.org
Need help crafting your submission, refining your photo story, or writing compelling captions?
📩 Contact GrantsDatabase.org for expert support in:
- Proposal drafting
- Application refinement
- Caption writing and photo curation
Final Thoughts
The Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads 2025 Photo Contest offers young people an incredible opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity and honor women’s contributions to heritage along the Silk Roads. Don’t miss your chance to gain international exposure, win amazing prizes, and make your voice heard through the lens of a camera.
Apply by July 20, 2025, and become part of this global dialogue through photography.
