```html UNESCO Photo Contest 2025: Calling Young Photographers to Celebrate Women and the Silk Roads

Young photographers aged 14 to 25 are invited to participate in the 7th edition of the UNESCO Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads Photo Contest. The 2025 contest, themed "Women, Guardians of Silk Roads Heritage," seeks to highlight the vital role of women in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Silk Roads.

Participants have until July 20, 2025, to submit their photographs, with the opportunity to win professional-grade camera equipment. The contest aims to foster cultural interaction, mutual understanding, and peace among people connected by the Silk Roads through the power of visual storytelling.

Thematic Focus: Women and Silk Roads Heritage

This year's theme emphasizes the crucial role women play in safeguarding the traditions, knowledge, and cultural expressions along the historic Silk Roads. In a world facing increasing challenges, the contest aims to inspire youth to focus on positive aspects of life and celebrate cultural diversity.

“The Silk Roads are not just about trade routes; they are about the exchange of ideas, cultures, and traditions,” says Dr. Anya Sharma, a cultural heritage specialist at the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). “Highlighting the role of women in this exchange is essential for understanding the full story of the Silk Roads and ensuring the preservation of this heritage for future generations.”

Contest Details and Prizes

The UNESCO photo contest has two age categories: 14-17 years old and 18-25 years old. A total of six awards will be given. Prizes include professional and semi-professional digital cameras.

First Award: Professional-grade digital single-lens reflex camera with an 18-55mm lens. Second Award: Semi-professional digital camera. Third Award: Digital camera.

Beyond the tangible prizes, the contest offers young photographers a platform to showcase their talent, gain international recognition, and contribute to a global dialogue on cultural heritage.

Eligibility Criteria

The contest is open to individuals worldwide between the ages of 14 and 25. Key eligibility requirements include:

Participants must be between 14 and 25 years old. Minors (14-17 years old) must have written permission from their legal guardians. Participants must have internet access to submit their entries. Participation is strictly personal.

Photo Submission Guidelines

Submitted photos should adhere to the following guidelines:

Photos must relate to the 2025 theme: "Women, Guardians of Silk Roads Heritage." Submit 1 to 20 JPEG/JPG images, at least 1500px wide/tall. Only minor edits are allowed (cropping, contrast, brightness adjustments). All edits must be described in the image description. AI-generated or enhanced photos are not permitted. Images must not include personal information or identifiable third parties without consent. Participants must be prepared to submit high-resolution images for print/exhibition purposes.

Terms and Conditions

Participants must certify that they are the sole copyright holder of all submitted photographs. By submitting a photo, participants authorize its use on the organizer's website, partner websites, and social media platforms for non-commercial purposes, with proper credit given to the photographer and UNESCO.

Dr. Kenji Tanaka, a specialist in visual communication and intercultural dialogue, emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in photography contests. "It's crucial that participants understand and respect the terms and conditions, particularly regarding copyright and the use of their images. Transparency and fairness are essential for maintaining the integrity of such initiatives," he notes.

How to Apply

To apply for the UNESCO Photo Contest 2025:

Create an account on the competition website. Complete the application form. Upload a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 20 photos. Submit the application form along with the photos. Await confirmation of submission.

Deadline

The deadline for submissions is July 20, 2025, at 23:59 (GMT+1).

UNESCO and the Silk Roads Initiative: A Historical Perspective

UNESCO's engagement with the Silk Roads dates back to 1988 with the launch of the "Integral Study of the Silk Roads: Roads of Dialogue." This initiative aimed to promote research, conservation, and cultural exchange along the historic routes. The Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads Photo Contest is a contemporary expression of this long-standing commitment, engaging younger generations in exploring and celebrating the shared heritage of the Silk Roads.

The Silk Roads, a network of ancient trade routes connecting East and West, played a crucial role in the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures for centuries. UNESCO recognizes the Silk Roads as a shared heritage of humanity and works to promote its preservation and understanding through various programs and initiatives. ```