Global Peace Photo Award 2026 (Free International Photography Competition)

Applications are now open for the Global Peace Photo Award 2026, an internationally recognized photography competition celebrating images that capture peace, humanity, coexistence, hope, and positive change.

The award invites photographers from around the world to submit powerful visual stories answering the question:

“What does peace look like?”

About the Global Peace Photo Award

The Global Peace Photo Award recognizes photographers whose work highlights:

• Peaceful coexistence
• Human compassion
• Social harmony
• Environmental protection
• Community spirit
• Hope and resilience.

Originally launched as the Alfred Fried Photography Award in 2013, the competition was inspired by Nobel Peace Prize laureates Alfred Fried and Tobias Asser. The award is organized by Edition Lammerhuber in partnership with organizations including:

• UNESCO
• Austrian Parliament
• International Press Institute
• World Press Photo Foundation
• UNICEF Austria
• Vienna Insurance Group.

Who Can Apply?

The competition is open to:

• Professional photographers
• Amateur photographers
• Emerging artists
• Young photographers worldwide.

There are also special categories for children aged 14 and below.

No entry fee is required.

Competition Categories

The award includes:

• Stories Category (photo series/reportage)
• Single Image Category
• Children’s Peace Image of the Year.

Participants may submit:

• Individual photographs
• Photo essays
• Documentary projects
• Creative peace-themed visual storytelling.

Prizes & Benefits

The competition offers a total of:

• €11,000 in cash prizes.

Prize Breakdown

• Peace Image of the Year: €7,000
• Three Stories category winners: €1,000 each
• Single Image winner: €1,000
• Children’s Peace Image winner: €1,000. Winning photographers will also receive:

• The Alfred Fried Peace Medal
• Invitation to the award ceremony in Vienna
• Covered travel expenses and accommodation
• International exhibition opportunities.

Theme: What Does Peace Look Like?

The award encourages photography that showcases:

• Human kindness
• Peaceful communities
• Environmental protection
• Refugee support
• Social justice
• Positive societal change
• Hope and empathy. Unlike many photography competitions focused mainly on conflict and disasters, this award highlights the positive side of humanity and peaceful coexistence.

Submission Requirements

Applicants must:

• Submit digital JPG images
• Use files larger than 3000 pixels on the longest side
• Avoid watermarks, logos, or borders.

Mobile Photography

Photos taken with mobile phones are allowed if they meet technical requirements.

AI & Edited Images

The award allows some digitally edited or manipulated images if clearly disclosed in captions. However, documentary/reportage photos must not alter the meaning of the image.

Application Deadline

• Deadline: 24 May 2026.

The shortlist is expected to be announced in July 2026, while the award ceremony will take place in Vienna, Austria.

Why You Should Apply

The Global Peace Photo Award offers:

• International recognition
• Exhibition opportunities
• Cash prizes
• Global media exposure
• Networking within the photography community
• Opportunity to showcase meaningful storytelling.

The competition is especially valuable for photographers interested in:

• Documentary photography
• Humanitarian storytelling
• Social impact visual art
• Peace and human rights themes.

Photography & Peace Conversations

Discussions in photography communities often highlight debates about how photography awards balance artistic quality, storytelling, and social impact. Online conversations surrounding major global photography awards frequently emphasize the importance of images that create emotional connection and encourage meaningful dialogue.

The Global Peace Photo Award specifically focuses on images that inspire hope and peaceful coexistence rather than conflict alone.

Conclusion

The Global Peace Photo Award 2026 is an outstanding free international photography competition for photographers who want to showcase powerful stories about peace, humanity, compassion, and positive change.

With cash prizes, exhibitions, travel opportunities, and global recognition, the award provides an excellent platform for photographers worldwide to share impactful visual narratives.