Applications are now open for the Global Peace Photo Award 2026, an international photography competition that recognizes photographers whose work promotes peace, humanity, social justice, and positive change. The competition offers photographers from around the world an opportunity to showcase their creativity and compete for cash prizes and a fully funded trip to Vienna, Austria.
Selected winners will be invited to attend the award ceremony in Vienna in September 2026, where travel and accommodation expenses will be covered. Winners will also receive the prestigious Alfred Fried Peace Medal in recognition of their contribution through visual storytelling.
Award Overview
- Host Country: Austria
- Location: Vienna
- Program Type: International Photography Competition
- Award Name: Global Peace Photo Award 2026
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Submission Method: Online
- Application Deadline: 24 May 2026
About the Global Peace Photo Award
The Global Peace Photo Award is an international initiative that honors photographers who capture images reflecting peace, environmental responsibility, human rights, social harmony, compassion, and acts of humanity.
The competition aims to encourage visual storytelling that highlights positive efforts toward creating a more peaceful and sustainable world.
Degree Level
There is no specific degree requirement for this award.
The competition is open to:
- Students
- Amateur photographers
- Professional photographers
- Freelancers
- Artists
- Individuals passionate about photography
Subject Areas
Submitted photographs may focus on themes such as:
- Peace and conflict resolution
- Human rights
- Social justice
- Environmental responsibility
- Community development
- Humanitarian efforts
- Cultural understanding
- Humanity and compassion
Eligible Nationalities
- The Global Peace Photo Award is open to participants from all countries.
- Applicants of all nationalities can submit their photographs.
Financial Benefits
Selected participants and winners will receive:
- Total cash prize pool of €11,000
- Round-trip airfare to Austria for winners
- Accommodation in Vienna
- Invitation to attend the award ceremony
- Alfred Fried Peace Medal for winners
- International recognition and exposure
Prize Distribution
Peace Image of the Year
Winner receives €7,000
Stories Category
Three winners receive €1,000 each
Single Image Category
One winner receives €1,000
Children's Peace Image of the Year
One winner receives €1,000
All winners will receive the Alfred Fried Peace Medal and an invitation to the award ceremony.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Open to photographers from all countries
- No nationality restrictions apply
- Children aged 14 years or younger can apply for the Children's Peace Image category
- Applicants aged 15 years and above can apply under the main categories
- Images must be submitted in high-quality JPG format
- Photos should have at least 3000 pixels on the longer side
- Images must not include watermarks, logos, names, or borders
- Submitted work should align with the competition themes
Application Process
Interested applicants can apply online through the official Global Peace Photo Award website.
Application steps:
- Visit the official competition website.
- Select the appropriate competition category.
- Create an account or sign in.
- Upload photographs in the required format.
- Add necessary information about the images.
- Review your submission carefully.
- Submit your entry before the deadline.
Applicants can edit and update submissions before the final deadline.
Why Apply for the Global Peace Photo Award?
This competition provides photographers with a chance to gain international recognition while sharing meaningful stories through photography. Apart from financial rewards and a funded trip to Austria, participants can showcase their work to a global audience and become part of a platform promoting peace and positive social impact.
