OVERVIEW
In 2022, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and IBER-RUTAS launched the First iDiaspora Photo Contest, celebrating cultural diversity and showcasing the profound socio-cultural contributions of diaspora communities worldwide. With 93 stunning entries from over 39 countries, the contest sparked global conversations about identity, heritage, and the power of community support during times of crisis.Inspired by this success, the IOM and IBER-RUTAS are thrilled to announce the Second iDiaspora Photo Contest, set to launch in 2025. Open to professional and amateur photographers alike, this contest invites participants to capture the vibrant stories of diaspora and migrant communities and their vital role in shaping a better future.The contest themes, inspired by the Global Diaspora Policy Alliance (GDPA), focus on: (1) Health and Well-Being; (2) Climate Action and Environment; (3) Gender Equality and Youth. The GDPA, a key driver of the Dublin Declaration, fosters collaboration and empowers diaspora communities to address global challenges through innovative and sustainable solutions.Join us in celebrating the transformative power of diaspora communities. Share your perspective, tell a story, and make an impact through the lens of your camera!
THEME
“Click for Change: Diaspora Innovations in Health, Climate, Gender & Youth”
The IOM defines diaspora as: "Migrants or descendants of migrants whose identity and sense of belonging, either real or symbolic, have been shaped by their migration experience and background. They maintain links with their homelands, and to each other, based on a shared sense of history, identity, or mutual experiences in the destination country." This concept lies at the heart of the contest, emphasizing the unique ability of diaspora communities to bridge cultures and drive positive change.
Participants are invited to submit a series of three photographs that capture diaspora contributions in one or more of the following categories:
(1) Health and Well-being: Showcase how diaspora communities improve health outcomes and foster well-being in their host and home countries.
(2) Climate Action and Environment: Highlight the innovative ways diaspora communities address climate change and promote environmental sustainability.
(3) Gender Equality and Youth Empowerment: Capturing how diaspora communities advocate for women's empowerment and inspire the next generation of leaders.
REGISTRATION
The iDiaspora Photo Contest will have two categories: Amateur and professional.
To apply for the contest:
1. Check if you are between 18 – 32 years of age, and you are neither the IOM and/or IBER-RUTAS staff nor their immediate family (spouse, mother, father, sons, daughters) or those who are part of their household.
2. Register in iDiaspora.org.
3. Complete the application form where you must include:
(1) Personal data
(2) Select the categories for your series. While there is no limit to the number of photos in each selected category, only three photos should be submitted.
(3) Title of the photographic series.
(4) Brief description of the series, containing at least the motivations and the relevance to the theme.
(5) Submission of the 3 selected photos.
Registration is free and open until 8th May 2025 at 15:00 hours in Geneva, Switzerland.
At the end of the registration period, the photographic series will be evaluated by a panel of expert juries in order to determine the winning entries and special mentions.
PRIZES
Winners will be announced approximately 15 days after the closure of the contest on the iDiaspora and IBER-RUTAS websites. The winning participants will also be notified via the email addresses provided during registration.
The prizes for amateur and professional categories will be:
First Prize USD $1,000.00 (One Thousand United States dollars).
Second Prize USD $700.00 (Seven Hundred United States dollars).
Third Prize USD $300.00 (Three Hundred United States dollars).
*The winning photographs will be used at the discretion of the IOM and IBER-RUTAS.
Inquiries: globaldiaspora@iom.int; concursoiberrutas@gmail.com
* Only one submission per person is allowed.
* Participation implies full acceptance of the Terms and Conditions of the contest, please read them carefully.
