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Youth SDG Photo Competition Is Open for Submissions

29 October 2024

Calling all youth living in Mauritius

Showcase your creative talents! Participate in the Youth SDG Photo Competition - "Focus on the Future". This photo competition is your chance to make your voice heard, share your thoughts on the issues affecting your future, and highlight what you want to see change in your community and beyond.

What We're Looking For

We want young people aged 14 to 25 to get creative and submit a photo that reflects what the following themes People, Prosperity, or Planet mean to them. Your photo could capture a powerful moment, show your hopes for a greener Mauritius, or celebrate community spirit—whatever speaks to you and fits the theme. Each photo should connect to at least one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

How to Take Part

Choose a Theme: Pick one of the following themes:
- People: Tell the story of your community and the people who inspire you or highlight issues that need more attention.
- Prosperity: Show us how economic growth, innovation, and inclusion can shape a better future for all.
- Planet: Share your vision of a greener, more sustainable world.
Connect it to the SDGs: Pick one or more SDGs that your photo represents. For example, if your photo is about reducing inequality, that links to SDG 10. Find out more about the SDGs here.
Photo Format:
- File type: JPEG
- Size: A minimum of 5 MB
- Colour or Black-and-White
- Original photographs, no AI generated images
Get Creative! Minor edits like adjusting brightness or contrast are fine but keep the essence of your photo true to the original. No heavy manipulations, no collages, and no text overlays are allowed.
One Photo Per Person: You can submit one photo only.
Age Groups:
- Youth: Ages 14-17 (A parent or guardian must submit your entry).
- Young Adults: Ages 18-25.

What Can You Win?

The top three photos in each age category will win amazing prizes, including: a camera, Decathalon vouchers and a professional photo print...more prizes to be added.

All winners will be featured in a UN exhibition and may be showcased in our future campaigns and materials.

Key Dates

Launch Date: 29th October 2024
Deadline for Entries: 28th February 2025.
Judging Period: March 2025.
Prize-Giving Ceremony: April 2025

Rules and Guidelines

Participants' Consent: Photos that include people must have their consent (or that of their guardians) if they're recognisable. Avoid photos that could embarrass or misrepresent others.
Authorship: The photo must be your own original work.
Ethics in Photography: Respect others' rights and dignity. Check out this Photography Ethics Guide for more tips.
Usage Rights: By entering the competition, you're giving the UN a license to use your photo in the future for non-commercial purposes for exhibitions and in United Nations communications materials. You will be credited where your photo is used.
UN staff members (including interns and consultants) or their family members and professional photographers are not eligible to participate. Jury Panel members are not eligible to participate. All entries not respecting the theme, or the technical/authorship requirements set out will not be considered.

The Judging Panel

An independent panel of experts from the photography, the arts, and sustainability sectors will evaluate the anonymous entries based on:

Relevance to Theme & SDG: Does your photo connect with the theme and chosen SDG?
Creativity & Originality: Show us something new—think outside the box!
Composition & Technical Skill: Consider framing, lighting, and overall impact.
Emotional Impact: Does your photo inspire, move, or make people think?

Ready to Enter? Fill out your submission form here.

*For participants under 18, the entry must be submitted by a parent or guardian with their consent.

Want Some Inspiration?

Check out these resources to boost your photography skills and knowledge about the SDGs:

You can also attend our free virtual workshops to learn more about photography and the SDGs - follow us on X @UN_Mauritius and on FB for details!