Global Humanitarian Forum Vision Awards

The Global Humanitarian Forum launches the Global Humanitarian Forum Vision Awards in an effort to further raise awareness of the human dimension of climate change through photo and video journalism. A jury of esteemed photo and video journalists will select projects that combine artistic excellence with a powerful message about the human dimension of climate change.

If you are between 18 and 35 years old, talented, and committed, take part in the Vision Awards and share your perspective on the human story of climate change with the international community!

Introduction

The aim of the Global Humanitarian Forum Vision Awards is to further raise awareness of the human dimension of climate change and to document the implementation of its Weather Info for All (WIFA) Initiative through photojournalism and video.

Objective

Climate change is often framed as a solely environmental problem that might affect the planet’s future. It is less often shown to be a serious threat and a major opportunity for human society as a whole.

The subject matter of the submitted material should focus on the human being in interaction with the environment, either affected by climate change or adverse environmental conditions or dealing with climate impacts or the root causes of climate change.

For example, submitted entries might convey the devastating impacts of climate change on water availability, food security or migration. They might also document steps taken by local communities to improve flood protection or indigenous communities’ efforts to counter illegal deforestation.

Applicants should bear in mind the global dimension of the climate issue. Work drawn from both developed and developing communities is acceptable.

Prizes

The three finalists (one per category) will have the opportunity to acquire both professional experience and exposure, as well as to collaborate and share their perspectives with other young visual media professionals. The three prize recipients will be drawn from a selection of 15 finalists (five per category). All applicants' projects will be presented to third-party organisations, which will have the opportunity to contact applicants directly should they be interested in their work.

• Global Humanitarian Forum Vision Award in Video Journalism
  • A CHF 5,000 grant to conduct a video project centred on the human dimension of climate change in a particularly vulnerable region to climate change and extreme weather events (to be selected in agreement with the Forum)
  • Screening of submitted video material during the 2010 Annual Forum
  • Screening of the winner’s video project during the 2011 Annual Forum
  • Outcome of the video project will be used as part of the Forum’s online platforms
• Global Humanitarian Forum Vision Award in Photojournalism
  • A CHF 5,000 grant to conduct a photojournalism project centred on the human dimension of climate change in a particularly vulnerable region to be selected in agreement with the Forum
  • Exhibition of photojournalism project submitted for the Award in Geneva, within the premises of the 2010 Annual Forum
  • Exhibition of the photojournalism project conducted in the context of the Award during the 2011 Annual Forum
  • Submitted photojournalism project will be used as part of the Forum’s publications and online platforms

Rules

• Be 18 to 35 years old at the time of submission.
• Certify that you are the author of the submitted photo or video journalism project(s).
• Certify that the submitted photojournalism and video journalism projects have not been previously awarded a prize in any other photo, photojournalism or video journalism competition.
• Certify that submitted material is not copyrighted, protected by trade secret or otherwise subject to third party proprietary rights, unless the applicant is the owner of such rights or has permission from their rightful owner to post the material
• Not publish falsehoods or misrepresentations that could damage the Forum or any third party.
• Not submit material that is unlawful, obscene, defamatory, libelous, threatening, pornographic, harassing, hateful, racially or ethnically offensive, or encourages conduct that would be considered a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability, violate any law, or is otherwise inappropriate.
• Certify that all necessary releases have been obtained from any clearly identifiable person appearing in any image.

How to enter?

Photo and video journalism projects can be submitted either:

• Online (preferred):
  1. Fill out and submit application form, which can be downloaded at: www.ghfgeneva.org/visionawards
  2. Format for photojournalism projects (8-12 photos): .jpeg / .png / .gif files at a size within 18 x 24 cm or 7 x 10 inches and a maximum size of 4MB per file.
  3. Once photos have been uploaded, the submission cannot be changed.
  4. Format for video journalism projects: Upload video journalism project on YouTube.com (max 1GB, not longer than 10 minutes) and paste the link into the application form for submission.
  5. All submitted files (photo and video) should be named with the applicant’s first and last names, separated by an underscore and numbered starting with: 01 (e.g. John_Doe01.jpg, John_Doe02.jpg, etc)
  6. Text files, such as the application form, should be uploaded through the online registration and upload platform on the Forum’s website www.ghfgeneva.org/visionawards or be e-mailed to VisionAwards [at] ghfgeneva.org (please replace [at] with @)
• By post:
  1. Complete and sign application form, which can be downloaded at: www.ghfgeneva.org/visionawards
  2. Printed photojournalism projects (8-12 photos) must be no larger than 18 x 24 cm or7 x 10 inches.
  3. 2 Copies of video journalism projects on DVD
  4. Printing, burning and postage costs will be borne by the applicant.
  5. The Forum will not be responsible for returning photojournalism projects and/or DVDs to applicants.
  6. Mail to the following address:
     
     Global Humanitarian Forum Geneva
     Vision Awards
     Villa Rigot, Avenue de la Paix 9
     1202 Geneva
     Switzerland

Related Links

• Official Website
• Complete Official Rules
• Entry Form