Applications are now open for the UNESCO-UNEVOC Skills in Action Photo Competition 2026, an international photography competition that celebrates the transformative power of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in preparing young people with future-ready skills.
Organized by UNESCO-UNEVOC, the competition invites amateur and professional photographers from around the world to capture compelling images that showcase how TVET is empowering people through innovation, sustainability, digital transformation, and inclusion. Winners will receive cash prizes of up to USD 750, international recognition, and the opportunity to have their work featured on UNESCO’s global platforms.
About the UNESCO-UNEVOC Skills in Action Photo Competition
The Skills in Action Photo Competition highlights the importance of vocational education in equipping young people with practical skills for employment, innovation, and sustainable development.
Participants are encouraged to submit photographs that demonstrate how TVET contributes to building resilient communities, supporting green economies, promoting digital transformation, and creating opportunities for all.
Competition Categories
Entries must focus on one or more of the following categories:
- Equity and Inclusion – Showcase how skills development opportunities are accessible regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, disability, or socio-economic background.
- Green Skills and Sustainability – Highlight sustainable practices, green jobs, renewable energy, or environmentally friendly technologies.
- Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence – Capture young people using coding, robotics, virtual reality, AI tools, or other digital technologies.
- Innovation and Excellence – Showcase innovative training, practical skills, and solutions that improve productivity, quality, and efficiency.
Competition Prizes
Outstanding entries will receive:
- First Prize: USD 750
- Second Prize: USD 500
- Third Prize: USD 350
In addition, winners will receive:
- An official UNESCO-UNEVOC certificate.
- Publication of their winning photographs on the UNESCO-UNEVOC Flickr account.
- Global promotion through UNESCO-UNEVOC’s official social media channels.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Be an amateur or professional photographer.
- Own the copyright to the submitted photograph(s).
Submission Rules
Participants may submit one photograph per category, with a maximum of four submissions in total.
Each submission must include:
- A photo title.
- A brief description (maximum 75 words).
- Information on where and when the photograph was taken.
- A completed submission form.
Technical Requirements
Submitted photographs must meet the following specifications:
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- JPEG format is required.
- RAW or TIFF files may also be submitted as supplementary files.
- Minimum of 3,000 pixels on the longest side.
- High resolution (300 DPI/PPI recommended).
- Minor digital adjustments are permitted but must be disclosed in the submission form.
Important Guidelines
Applicants should:
- Ensure the photograph clearly relates to one of the competition categories.
- Obtain consent from any identifiable individuals appearing in the image.
- Declare any edits made to the photograph.
- Submit authentic, original work.
Applicants must not:
- Submit AI-generated photographs.
- Use AI to extend, generate, or modify parts of the image.
- Add watermarks, logos, signatures, borders, or overlays.
- Submit photo collages or multiple images combined into one frame.
- Submit photographs unrelated to the competition theme.
Selection Criteria
Entries will be evaluated based on:
- Relevance to the competition theme.
- Originality and uniqueness.
- Creativity.
- Innovative communication of the message.
Important Notice
All submitted photographs become the property of UNESCO-UNEVOC and may be used in future publications, promotional materials, media campaigns, and communication activities.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting entries is:
31 August 2026.
How to Apply
To submit your entry:
- Complete and sign the official form here
- Indicate the category of your photograph.
- Email the completed form together with your photograph(s) to unevoc.skills@unesco.org.
- Use your last name followed by “SAPC26 Submission” as the email subject (for example: Smith – SAPC26 Submission).
- If your files are too large for email, provide a publicly accessible cloud storage link that does not require sign-in or permission requests.
Conclusion
The UNESCO-UNEVOC Skills in Action Photo Competition 2026 offers photographers a unique opportunity to gain international recognition while highlighting the role of vocational education in shaping the future. With cash prizes of up to USD 750, official UNESCO recognition, and worldwide exposure, the competition is ideal for photographers passionate about education, innovation, sustainability, digital transformation, and youth empowerment.
If you have a powerful story to tell through photography, submit your best work before 31 August 2026.
