Global Peace Photo Award 2026 — international contest with prizes of up to €7,000 and exhibitions worldwide
This competition seeks photographs that capture the world—not as it should be, but as it really is: in people, relationships and everyday situations. It is an international award that focuses on what helps to overcome conflict, more than on conflict itself—on support, solidarity, resilience and human interaction.
Taking part here is a chance to showcase your work in a global context where the photographer’s perspective is valued alongside visual power, on top of the opportunity to gain recognition.
What’s in it for you
The competition awards cash prizes totalling €11,000 and gives the winning entries international exposure:
The Grand Prize is €7,000 for the ‘Image of Peace of the Year’;
3 winners in the ‘Story’ category will each receive €1,000;
1 winner in the ‘Single Image’ category – €1,000;
1 winner in the children’s category – €1,000.
All winners receive the Alfred Fried Peace Medal and are invited to the ceremony in Vienna (with travel and accommodation covered).
The works of the finalists and winners are included in international exhibitions, turning participation into a gateway to the global professional scene beyond the competition itself.
How the categories work
Entries can be submitted in several formats:
‘Single Image’ – a single photograph;
‘Story’ – a series of 5 to 12 images linked by a common theme;
Children’s category (up to 14 years old) – a separate competition.
Important: there is no limit on the number of entries — you may submit both individual works and series.
What the competition focuses on
The programme is looking for works in which photography serves as a means of making sense of the world, well beyond simply ‘beautiful’ images.
These may include: personal stories and everyday scenes, engagement with communities, themes of the environment, migration, social support, experiences of recovery, care and solidarity, and projects related to human rights and dignity.
The point isn’t avoiding difficult subjects — it’s about how images can reveal the possibility of peace within them.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted online: images should be uploaded in .jpg format (the longest side must be at least 3000 px, with no watermarks or borders).
Photos taken on a mobile phone are permitted (provided they meet the requirements).
Digital editing is permitted, but must not distort the meaning of the image.
The use of AI is permitted, but the jury reserves the right to exclude such entries.
Captions are mandatory (in English, up to 2000 characters).
Photographs must have been taken no more than 3 years ago.
The author retains the rights to their images while granting the organisers the right to non-commercial use within the scope of the competition (exhibitions, publications, catalogue).
Participation is free of charge.
Who is this competition for
This competition is for photographers who:
— work on social and humanitarian themes
— seek a powerful visual statement rather than merely form
— think in terms of series and stories rather than individual shots
— wish to enter the international arena of exhibitions and awards
It is especially relevant for those who feel that their practice involves attempting to reinterpret reality, alongside simply capturing it.
The deadline for applications is 24 May 2026.
Results will be announced in July 2026.
The awards ceremony will take place in September 2026 in Vienna.
