UNESCO x vivo: Capture the Future 2026
UNESCO and Vivo
🚀 About the Event
Launched by the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme in partnership with vivo, this global initiative invites young people to use mobile imaging to document the delicate balance between humanity and nature. The contest focuses on Biosphere Reserves places where innovative solutions for sustainable living are being tested. It aims to amplify youth voices, highlighting local traditions, science-led innovations, and community actions that contribute to a resilient future.
📊 Event Details
- Organizers: UNESCO MAB & vivo Mobile Communication Co., Ltd.
- Theme: “Coexistence between People and Nature.”
- Tracks:
- 📸 Photography Track: 1 to 3 original photos (Single or Series).
- 🎥 Short Video Track: 1 video (Maximum 3 minutes).
- Format: Digital submission via secure file transfer (e.g., WeTransfer).
- Eligibility: Individuals aged 18–35 with a strong connection to a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (Resident, student, professional, or volunteer).
📅 Critical Dates
- Submission Start: March 5, 2026.
- Final Deadline: May 31, 2026 (23:59 UTC+2).
- Results Announcement: Before the end of June 2026.
🎁 Prizes & Rewards (Per Track)
- 🏆 1st Prize (1): High-end vivo smartphone + Invitation to an Intensive Visual Storytelling Training Camp + Travel to European Biosphere Reserves.
- 🥈 2nd Prize (2): vivo smartphone + Invitation to the training camp.
- 🥉 3rd Prize (5): vivo smartphone + Invitation to the training camp.
- Global Exposure: Top narratives will be featured on UNESCO’s worldwide platforms.
🧠 Core Themes for Narratives
- Ecological Evolution: Changes within your local community.
- Biodiversity: Conservation, sustainable use, and restoration efforts.
- Cultural Heritage: Traditional knowledge and Indigenous practices.
- Inclusion: Projects supporting women, youth with disabilities, and green tech innovations.
⚙️ Technical Requirements
- Equipment: Must be captured and processed entirely on a mobile device (phone or tablet of any brand).
- Photos: JPG/JPEG, min 1,500 pixels wide/tall, ≤5MB. Minor edits only (cropping, color balance).
- Video: MP4/MOV, ≤200MB, ≤3 minutes. Minor editing allowed (no reality distortion).
- Written Narrative: A text of max 1,000 words (English, French, or Spanish) explaining the context and the story behind the work is mandatory.
- Strict Rule: AI-generated or AI-manipulated content is strictly prohibited.
📝 How to Enter
- Step 1: Confirm your connection to a biosphere reserve by checking the UNESCO MAB List.
- Step 2: Capture your content using a mobile device (No watermarks, logos, or signatures allowed).
- Step 3: Prepare your 1,000-word narrative and compile metadata (Full name, age, country, device model).
- Step 4: Submit your entry via the official online portal using a file transfer link: UNESCO Submission Form.