```html UNESCO Launches 7th Edition of "Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads" Photo Contest

UNESCO has announced the 7th edition of its "Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads" photo contest, inviting young photographers aged 14 to 25 from around the world to submit their work. This year's theme, "Women, Guardians of Silk Roads Heritage," aims to highlight the vital role women play in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Silk Roads.

The contest provides a platform for young people to express their creativity and contribute to a greater understanding of the diverse cultures along the historic Silk Roads. Participants have until July 20, 2025, to submit their photographs for a chance to win professional-grade photography equipment.

Promoting Cultural Exchange Through Photography

The "Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads" photo contest is a key component of UNESCO's broader Silk Road Programs, which seek to foster cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and peace among nations connected by the ancient trade routes. By encouraging young people to visually document their experiences and perspectives, UNESCO hopes to inspire a new generation of cultural ambassadors.

According to Irina Bokova, former Director-General of UNESCO, "The Silk Roads are more than just ancient trade routes; they are a living testament to the power of cultural exchange and dialogue. This photo contest provides a unique opportunity for young people to connect with this rich heritage and share their own stories."

Thematic Focus: Women, Guardians of Silk Roads Heritage

The choice of "Women, Guardians of Silk Roads Heritage" as the theme for the 2025 contest reflects a growing recognition of the critical role women play in safeguarding cultural traditions. From artisans and storytellers to community leaders and educators, women have long been at the forefront of preserving and transmitting the cultural heritage of the Silk Roads.

Dr. Amina Khan, a cultural heritage specialist at the University of Central Asia, emphasizes the importance of this thematic focus. "Women are often the unsung heroes of cultural preservation," she notes. "By highlighting their contributions, this contest can help to raise awareness of their vital role and empower them to continue their work."

Contest Details and Eligibility

The UNESCO photo contest is open to young people aged 14 to 25 from all countries. Participants are divided into two age categories: 14-17 years old and 18-25 years old. Minors must obtain written consent from their legal guardians to participate.

Eligibility: Open to individuals aged 14-25 worldwide. Categories: 14-17 years and 18-25 years. Theme: "Women, Guardians of Silk Roads Heritage." Deadline: July 20, 2025, at 23:59 (GMT+1). Submission: 1 to 20 JPEG/JPG images (minimum 1500px wide/tall).

Prizes and Recognition

The UNESCO photo contest offers a range of prizes to recognize the talent and creativity of young photographers. The top winners in each age category will receive professional or semi-professional digital cameras. All winning entries will also be featured on UNESCO's website and social media channels, providing valuable exposure for the photographers.

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

Submission Guidelines and Terms

Participants are required to submit high-quality photographs that relate to the contest theme. Minor edits, such as adjusting brightness, contrast, or cropping, are permitted, but must be clearly described in the image description. Photos must not reveal any personal information about the photographer or identifiable third parties without consent.

By submitting a photo, participants grant UNESCO the right to use their images for non-commercial purposes, including publication on its website and social media platforms. The photographers will be credited in all publications.

How to Apply

Interested participants can apply for the UNESCO photo contest by creating an account on the competition website and completing the online application form. The application requires participants to upload a minimum of one and a maximum of 20 photographs. The deadline for submission is July 20, 2025, at 23:59 (GMT+1).

Create an account on the competition website. Complete the application form. Upload 1-20 photos. Submit the application before the deadline.

Historical Context and Significance

UNESCO's engagement with the Silk Roads dates back to the late 1980s, with the launch of the "Integral Study of the Silk Roads: Roads of Dialogue" project. This initiative aimed to promote a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural interactions along the Silk Roads. The "Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads" photo contest is a continuation of this effort, engaging young people in exploring and celebrating this shared heritage.

The Silk Roads represent a complex network of trade routes that connected East and West for centuries, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural practices. Today, these routes continue to hold significance as a symbol of intercultural dialogue and cooperation.

A Call to Action for Young Photographers

The UNESCO "Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads" photo contest offers a unique opportunity for young photographers to showcase their talent, contribute to cultural understanding, and win valuable prizes. By focusing on the theme of "Women, Guardians of Silk Roads Heritage," the contest also aims to raise awareness of the vital role women play in preserving cultural traditions. Young photographers are encouraged to seize this opportunity and share their vision with the world. ```