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.
Tumenkhuslen, Mongolia
Above noise and chaos
There is this serenity in ordinary things.
Clear vision on the sky
Longed for so long
Still scene of vast steppe.
Lynda, France
On the heights of Fort Gouraya, a Barbary macaque watches over the city of Bejaïa as the sun sets.
For me, this moment represents peace. The beauty of nature rising above human life, reminding us that the natural world is timeless, protective, and greater than us.
Peace is found when we let nature breathe, when we live in harmony with it, and when we remember that it quietly watches over us all.
Roshan, Malawi
Peace is the quiet of a long road with no rush! The empty, open road gives a feeling of freedom, no pressure, no noise just a quiet space to breathe.
Tall trees lined up perfectly literally shows that peace is nature standing still! It gives a sense of stability, grounding and more importantly sense of order!
All in all peace is the journey not the destination. Just like a quiet drive where your mind finally goes silent yet you can hear your own thoughts clearly!
And yes peace, peace is the soft light and clear skies cause it relaxes your chest instantly!
Anastasiya, Ukraine
This image comprises the full spectrum of colours that influence not just the mood but also the thoughts they evoke.
The white-lit St Catherine Church has always been a sanctuary for peace in all places and for all people. Standing in the darkness alone, it silently sends and invitation to anyone in need of refuge – both for body and soul – offering a physical shelter and a place to be heard.
It is one of the very few places in this small Ukrainian border town where people come with hope that the light of peace will prevail over the embers of war.
Musa, Nigeria
This place once echoed with fear and silence. Insurgency had stripped it of laughter, trust, and life.
Today, standing by the still waters where wildflowers bloom, I see a different story unfolding.
A promise that peace can return, that what was broken can be rebuilt, and that tomorrow can hold shade, fruit, and joy.
Imran, Bangladesh
This Rohingya woman is collecting discarded plastic inside the refugee camp. She sells these scraps to earn a small income. This everyday action represents resilience, responsibility and strength in a place where opportunities are limited. The barbed wire fence behind her reminds us of displacement and a life defined by borders. Yet she continues forward, with purpose. Her act may seem small, but it symbolizes dignity and determination. This image shows how strength is shaped not only by big moments, but by the quiet, persistent effort to care for oneself and one’s family even when life is difficult.
How Youth Visions of Peace 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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?
Submission closed. Thank you for participating!
Submission closed. Thank you for participating!
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.