Capture the Face of Peace: Global Peace Photo Award 2026 Now Open for Entries!

The Global Peace Photo Award 2026, one of the world’s most prestigious photography honors, is calling upon photographers to answer a profound question: “What does peace look like?” Organized by Edition Lammerhuber in partnership with UNESCO, the Austrian Parliament, World Press Photo Foundation, and UNICEF, this competition celebrates images that reflect human efforts toward a peaceful world and the search for beauty in everyday life.

The Vision: Beyond the Absence of War

The Global Peace Photo Award is not just a technical contest; it is a visual exploration of coexistence, dignity, and hope. It encourages photographers to look beyond conflict and document the many forms that peace can take—from quiet moments of kindness to grand gestures of human solidarity.

Categories & Eligibility

The competition is designed to be accessible to everyone, from world-class professionals to passionate amateurs:

• Stories Category: For visual narratives consisting of at least 5 and up to 12 photographs.
• Single Image Category: For standalone shots that capture the essence of peace in a single frame.
• Children’s Peace Image of the Year: A special track dedicated to young visionaries under the age of 15.
• Accessibility: Entry is free of charge. Mobile phone photography is welcomed, and there is no limit on the number of entries a photographer may submit.
• Recency: Submitted works should generally be no older than three years at the time the call opens.

Prizes and Recognition

The 2026 award offers a total of €11,000 in cash prizes and unparalleled international exposure:

• Peace Image of the Year: €7,000 (Sponsored by Vienna Insurance Group).
• Stories Category (3 Winners): €1,000 each.
• Single Image Winner: €1,000.
• Children’s Peace Image of the Year: €1,000.

In addition to the cash prizes, all winners will receive the Alfred Fried Peace Medal. Winners will be flown to Vienna for the prestigious award ceremony on September 24, 2026, with all travel and accommodation expenses covered. Furthermore, submitted images have the opportunity to be showcased in international exhibitions.

Key Information at a Glance

• Deadline: May 24, 2026
• Award Ceremony: September 24, 2026 (Vienna, Austria)
• Transparency: While creative editing is allowed, montages or heavy edits must be transparently explained in the captions. Note that AI-generated images may be excluded to preserve the authenticity of photography.

Submit Your Work > Ready to share your vision of peace with the world? You can submit your entries directly via the Official Global Peace Photo Award Website.