Have questions?
If you’re not sure about something, you’ll probably find the answer below.
Check out the Frequently Asked Questions to learn how to enter, what you can submit, and all the important deadlines.
Is my country part of the Silk Roads?
The Silk Roads originated in East, South and Southeast Asia. The network extends through the Central Asian subcontinent, the Eurasian Steppe, the Iranian and Anatolian plateaus, and the Arabian Peninsula. It also stretches across North and Northeast Africa, from Tanzania to Morocco, and passes through Eastern and Southern Europe before reaching France and the Iberian Peninsula.
How do I enter the competition?
- Visit the official website and create a profile on the Participate Page.
- Submit at least one image to participate.
- You may upload up to 20 images illustrating the theme: "Women, Guardians of Silk Roads Heritage".
Captions must be provided in English for each image or series of images.
More details on how to upload an image are below.
How old do I have to be to enter?
The competition is open to individuals aged 14 to 25 at the time of entry, in one of the following categories:
- 14–17 years old
- 18–25 years old
Do I need my parents’ permission?
If you are under 18 years old, a parent or legal guardian’s permission is required to enter.
How much does it cost to enter?
The competition is free of charge.
When is the contest open?
Start date: 26 May 2025
Deadline: 20 July 2025 at 23:59 (GMT+1)
How do I upload an image?
How many images can I upload?
You can send from 1 to 20 photos maximum.
How do I know if my image(s) was/were uploaded successfully?
Log into your account to verify how many images you have uploaded.
Can I use artificial intelligence to create or edit my photo?
No. The use of artificial intelligence to generate or enhance images is strictly prohibited. Entrants must be able to provide a high-resolution version suitable for print and exhibition display, if selected.
Can I crop or edit my photo?
Only minor edits are allowed (e.g. cropping, dodging, burning, colour correction). Any modifications must be clearly described in the image caption.
What size image should I upload?
Images must meet the following requirements:
- Minimum 1,500 pixels wide (horizontal) or 1,500 pixels tall (vertical)
- Format: JPEG or JPG
- Entrants must be able to provide a high-resolution version suitable for print or exhibition.
Can I make changes to my entry after uploading my photos?
No. Once submitted, images cannot be modified.
What are the prizes?
Click here to see prize terms and conditions.
Who is judging the competition?
Entries will be reviewed by a Selection Committee of experts. All decisions are final.
How will entries be judged?
Photographs will be evaluated based on:
- Originality
- Creativity
- Photographic quality
- Relevance to the theme "Women, Guardians of Silk Roads Heritage".
When will the winners be announced?
Winners will be announced online in September 2025.
Can I submit an image I have used before?
Yes, provided it has not previously won a prize in another contest.
Can I re-submit an image from a previous edition of the contest?
No. Only new submissions that have not been previously entered are accepted.
Who can I contact if I have another question?
For any further inquiries, please contact us at: SilkRoadsPhotoContest@unesco.org – We will do our best to respond as soon as possible!