Photo Competition: EU Green Diplomacy Week 2026

To celebrate the EU Green Diplomacy Week 2026, the European Union to Lao PDR invites photographers, community members, young people, environmental enthusiasts, and the general public to participate in a photo competition under the theme: "Sustainable and Inclusive Plastic-Free Communities".

About the Theme and Its Meaning

Plastic pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, affecting ecosystems, public health, and local livelihoods. However, across the Lao PDR, individuals, grassroots networks, youth groups, and businesses are demonstrating that a transition toward a cleaner, greener future is possible.

This competition goes beyond capturing images, it is an opportunity to tell stories of action, solidarity, and hope.

• Sustainable: Highlighting grassroots circular solutions, single-use plastic reduction, waste-sorting innovations, and nature-positive practices that protect biodiversity and preserve natural ecosystems for future generations.
• Inclusive: Emphasizing that environmental action belongs to everyone. The transition to a plastic-free society must engage every segment of society, women, youth, rural communities, local vendors, and marginalized groups, ensuring no one is left behind in driving ecological stewardship.

By capturing these visual narratives, participants will help showcase how collective local action can spark meaningful global environmental change.

Key Details & Eligibility

• Who Can Join: Open to all individuals residing in the Lao PDR (regardless of age, gender, nationality, or profession).
• Equipment: Photos may be taken with smartphones, digital cameras, or DSLRs.
• Submission Limit: Maximum of 2 entries per individual. Submissions must be made individually (group or collaborative entries are not eligible).

Submission Requirements

• Relevance: Entries must directly reflect the competition theme.
• File Format & Size: High-resolution JPEG or PNG format, with a file size between 3 MB and 10 MB.
• Print Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI (aspect ratio of 3:2 or 4:3) to ensure optimal print quality for exhibition displays ranging from A4 to A2 without loss of clarity.
• Originality & Copyright: Submissions must be original, authentic, and non-copyrighted. Winning entrants agree to transfer ownership rights of the photos to the EU Delegation for public diplomacy purposes.
• Strict AI Policy: The use of AI-generated or heavily AI-manipulated imagery is strictly prohibited.

Key Dates

• Submission Deadline: 28 September 2026 at 23:59 (GMT+7, Jakarta Time).
• Winner Announcement & Awards Ceremony: 02 October 2026.
• Public Exhibition (Top 30 Selected Works): 02 - 08 October 2026 at Parkson Naga Mall, 1st Floor.

Prizes & Recognition

Selected participants stand to gain national and international visibility for their creative work:

• Prizes & Certificates: Winners will receive total prizes valued up to LAK 22,000,000, along with an official certificate signed by the Ambassador of the European Union to the Lao PDR.
• Public Exhibition: The top 30 shortlisted entries will be publicly showcased at Parkson Naga Mall during EU Green Diplomacy Week 2026.
• EU Calendar 2027 Inclusion: Winning and selected high-resolution entries will be featured in the official EU Calendar 2027, distributed across diplomacy networks, partner institutions, and public platforms.

How to Participate

To submit your entries, please complete the official submission form below:

Submit Your Photos Here: Photo Competition Submission Form | EU Green Diplomacy Week 2026