UNESCO Photography Competition 2026 with Prizes up to USD 750

The UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training has opened applications for the Skills in Action Photo Competition 2026, aimed at amateur and professional photographers interested in youth skills development.

The competition highlights the role of technical and vocational education and training in preparing young people for the future of work, supporting innovation, sustainability, social inclusion, and employment opportunities. Applicants must submit photographs showing young people acquiring or applying skills in training or workplace environments.

Competition Categories

Photographs may be submitted under one or more of the following categories:

1. Equity and Inclusion

Photographs illustrating the importance of providing skills-development opportunities for everyone, regardless of gender, background, nationality, socioeconomic status, or disability.

2. Green Skills and Sustainability

Photographs highlighting resource-efficient technologies, sustainable practices, and green jobs and professions.

3. Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence

Photographs showing young people learning programming, robotics, virtual reality, or using artificial intelligence tools.

4. Innovation and Excellence

Photographs showcasing innovative training methods and skills that help improve quality, productivity, and efficiency.

Applicants may submit one photograph in each category, with a maximum of four entries per applicant.

Awards

Winners will receive the following prizes:

1. First place: USD 750.
2. Second place: USD 500.
3. Third place: USD 350.
4. An official certificate from UNESCO-UNEVOC.
5. Publication of the winning photographs on the UNESCO-UNEVOC Flickr account.
6. Promotion of the photographs and winners through the Centre’s social media platforms.

Participants will receive the following benefits:

1. The opportunity to compete for international cash prizes.
2. An official certificate from a UNESCO-affiliated institution.
3. Publication of the winning photographs across UNESCO-UNEVOC’s digital platforms.
4. Exposure to an international audience interested in education, skills development, and youth.
5. Greater visibility for the work of amateur and professional photographers.
6. The opportunity to raise awareness of vocational education and green and digital skills.
7. The option to submit up to four photographs across different competition categories.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Be at least 18 years old.
2. Be the owner or copyright holder of the submitted photographs.
3. Submit a photograph related to one of the four competition categories.
4. Obtain consent from any identifiable individuals appearing in the photograph.
5. Disclose any digital edits made to the photograph.
6. Comply with all technical specifications and competition rules.

Requirements for Each Entry

Each submitted photograph must include:

1. A photograph title.
2. A brief description of no more than 75 words.
3. Information about where the photograph was taken.
4. The date or time when the photograph was taken.
5. A completed entry form.
6. The photograph file in the required format and specifications.

Technical Specifications

1. The primary image format must be JPEG.
2. The longest side of the image must be at least 3,000 pixels.
3. A resolution of 300 DPI or PPI is recommended.
4. A RAW or TIFF version should preferably be included when available.
5. Minor digital adjustments are permitted, provided they are disclosed in the entry form.
6. The photograph must not contain watermarks, logos, signatures, borders, or written elements.

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