Facilitator photo from participatory programme in Maiduguri, Nigeria, 2024.

Youth Visions of Peace

The next generation’s vision for a peaceful world.

The Youth Visions of Peace campaign is a global initiative that empowers young people around the world to share their messages of peace, resilience and hope for a safer, more peaceful future.

Building on successful collaborative pilot programmes with conflict-affected youth in Iraq, Nigeria, and Colombia, UNIDIR – together with 100cameras and War Child – has launched this campaign to amplify youth perspectives in global conversations about security and peacebuilding.

Through photography, the campaign offers young people an opportunity to develop new skills while sharing their experiences and reflections. Youth Visions of Peace aims to ensure that the voices of the next generation are not only heard, but actively shape policy discussions and programming development to address global security challenges. By centering youth narratives, the campaign aspires to build a more peaceful world for everyone.

How it works

The Youth Visions of Peace campaign invites young people – like you – to submit powerful photos that show the world what peace looks like through your eyes. Every two weeks, UNIDIR and its partners will be releasing a new thematic prompt along with a related photography lesson. You are asked to apply the techniques you learn in each lesson to create an image that responds to that prompt.

Whether you are using a phone or a camera, just starting out or already love photography, this is your chance to develop new skills, reflect on what peace means in your life, and connect with a global community through the power of images. Alongside your photo, you will also be invited to share a written reflection.

Your vision matters — and we can’t wait to see the world through your lens.

Outstanding submissions to the Youth Visions of Peace Campaign will be recognized and celebrated in the following ways:

  1. Theme Impact Award 📷 – 100cameras will award the five most impactful submissions across the campaign themes, each with a digital camera and access to a self-paced online photography training.
  2. Youth Vision Award 🌟 – The submission that best captures the overall spirit of the Youth Visions of Peace campaign will receive a digital camera and a one-on-one virtual photography lesson with a professional photographer/creative, provided by 100cameras.
  3. All awarded participants will also receive a Certificate of Recognition from UNIDIR.

You will find all relevant instructions below and on the different lessons pages. Learn more about the campaign and how to participate in English, Spanish, Arabic and French. You can also share the campaign toolkit with your networks. If you have any further questions, contact us directly meac@un.org.

Campaign rules

Only send photos that you took yourself.
Don’t include faces, names or anything that could identify anyone in the photo.
Make sure your photo is safe — don’t take pictures that could harm you or anyone else.
Please disclose if you used any digital tools to adjust the original image.

Lesson plan

Theme 1: Images of peace

What does peace feel like? Explore how lighting – using a brighter or darker exposure – can express moments of calm, tension, hope, or fear in your everyday life. Use your camera to show the emotional side of peace.

Submissions closed. Explore the other open themes!
Learn more

Theme 2: My story, my strength

How can perspective shape our stories? Use angles and point of view to share a moment that shaped who you are. Through both visual and personal elements, show how your lived experience gives you strength, even if others can’t always see it.

Submissions closed. Explore the other open themes!
Learn more

Theme 3: Harnessing technology for peace

Technology shapes our world, but how can it shape peace? Use visual contrast to explore how young people use tech to connect, create, or even confront security challenges. How does juxtaposition help tell a deeper story about hope, risk and digital power?

Submit your photo between 22 September and 19 October
Learn more

Theme 4: Disarming the world

What would your world look like without weapons? Explore minimalism and practice telling big stories through small, powerful details. Use simple objects to reflect the harm of violence, or the hope of peace. Let stillness speak.

Submit your photo between 6 October and 2 November
Learn more

Theme 5: A just and secure future for all

What does a safe and fair tomorrow look like where you live? Learn about composition and how to frame a photo to tell stories of action and equity. Highlight the people, places, and movements shaping a more just and peaceful future for everyone.

Submit your photo between 20 October and 16 November
Learn more

Additional opportunities for youth learning, networking, and advocacy

You have shared your vision, now take it further. Whether you want to understand the issues more deeply, advocate for change, or connect with others working for peace and security, there’s a next step for you. Explore trainings, networking, and advocacy opportunities designed to turn your creativity and voice into lasting impact.
Learn more