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Do you have a creative mindset?

Are you a young photographer eager to make a difference?

The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) invites you to participate in our Summer 2024 Photo Challenge by September 15, 2024. This is your chance to capture the urgent issues of our time—heat waves and wildfires—and showcase the incredible resilience of communities affected by climate emergencies.

As the impacts of climate change continue to escalate, highlighting the resilience and adaptation of communities becomes increasingly vital. In this spirit, we are excited to announce the 2024 Youth Photo Challenge for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), a unique opportunity for young and amateur photographers to contribute to the conversation on climate resilience. This initiative is part of the Europe & Central Asia Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction and aims to spotlight the innovative responses to climate challenges such as heat waves, wildfires, and floods.

Challenge Overview

The 2024 Youth Photo Challenge invites individuals aged 18 to 28 from across Europe and Central Asia to submit their best photographs that capture the essence of resilience and adaptation in the face of climate adversities. This is a chance to document how communities and authorities are responding to and overcoming these environmental threats, and to showcase the remarkable ways in which they are managing and mitigating these risks.

Why to Participate?

This photo challenge is more than just a competition—it's a call to action. By participating, you are contributing to a larger conversation about climate resilience and disaster risk reduction. Your photographs will help to illustrate the real-world effects of climate change and the inspiring responses that are making a difference.

Join us in documenting the story of climate resilience and innovation. Submit your entries by 15 September 2024, and play a part in shaping a better understanding of how communities across Europe and Central Asia are facing and overcoming the challenges posed by climate change.

SUBMISSION DETAILS

Participants are encouraged to focus on the following themes:

 1. Solutions and Prevention Measures: Show how individuals, local communities, and national authorities are actively working to prevent or address heat waves, wildfires, and floods.

 2. Community Resilience: Capture the strength and adaptability of communities facing climate challenges.

 3. Innovation and Adaptation: Highlight creative and effective responses to environmental stresses.

Exhibition and Recognition 

• • The top 10 selected photographs will be prominently displayed at the 2024 Europe & Central Asia Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, taking place in Budva, Montenegro from 6-8 November 2024. These images will also be featured in UNDRR communication materials, providing a significant platform for youth and disability voices in the region. 

  • In addition to the exhibition, the overall winner will receive a special award and an invitation to attend the Regional Platform with all travel and accommodation expenses covered. This is a valuable opportunity for emerging photographers to engage directly with key stakeholders and influencers in disaster risk reduction.

Judging Criteria and Panel

A distinguished panel will judge the entries, including representatives from UN agencies, the government of Montenegro, the European Commission, and the Council of Europe. Their expertise will ensure a rigorous selection process, emphasizing the quality and impact of the submitted photographs.

• • Relevance to Theme: Your photos should vividly portray the effects of heat waves and wildfires or highlight the responses to these challenges. Show us the real impact on people and environments, and how communities are coping and adapting.

  •  Impact and Storytelling: We want images with emotional power and a compelling narrative. Share stories of courage, determination, and innovation. The more impactful and inspiring your photo, the better.

  • Creativity and Originality: Offer us a fresh perspective. Whether through unique angles, bold contrasts, or creative framing, we’re looking for distinctive viewpoints that make your photo stand out.

  •  Technical Quality: Ensure your photo is clear, well-composed, and visually striking. High-resolution images (minimum 300 dpi) are required to showcase your work in the best light.

Few Guidelines:

• Participants are required to submit high-resolution JPEG or PNG files, with a minimum of 300 dpi.

• Applications should be emailed to undrr-roeca@un.org with the subject line “Summer 2024 Photo Challenge Submission”.

• Each submission must include:

• • The photographer’s full name and age

  • Group/organization affiliation (if any)

  • Location of the photo and date

  • Brief description (50-100 words) explaining the photo’s context and relevance to the theme.

  • Participants must confirm the authenticity of their work and ensure they have obtained all necessary permissions for any identifiable individuals in the photos.

The submission deadline for this challenge is 15 September 2024. The top 10 photos will be announced on 13 October 2024, aligning with the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction. For more information and submission guidelines, please visit the Official Website or contact the event organizers.

Photographs should reflect the theme by demonstrating real-world impacts and responses to climate crises.

     Be a part of the change. Capture the resilience.