To celebrate the International Day of Peace observed each year on September 21st, mobile app Agora challenged international photographers to illustrate what "Peace" means to them in one photo. As a result, 11,500 photos from all corners of the world were submitted to the #Peace2020 contest.
The International Day of Peace, also known as Peace Day, was established by the United Nations back in 1981 in an attempt to provide a “globally shared date for all humanity to commit for Peace above all differences.” The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening ideals of peace through observing 24 hours of non-violence and ceasefire.
To celebrate this important milestone, the global creative platform Agora launched the #Peace2020 photo contest on August 14th. Photographers had until August 28th to participate with their best shots in the app and illustrate what "Peace" means to them through their camera lens for the chance to be selected in the Top 50 finalists and make it to the voting phase.
Congratulations to Kenyan photographer @rashid_sp whose photo "A peaceful world is a fruitful one" gathered the most votes from the Agora global community, making him the #Peace2020 Hero and granting him the top prize of $1,000.
The app's global audience plays an important part in the selection of the winning image in each contest: all Agora users have the power to vote for the photo that struck them the most during the final voting rounds, making the process a democratic one where everyone can participate, vote, and win.
"The most voted image of #Peace2020 is a manifesto of love, hope, and the future. When either side of a conflict declares peace, the sides cease to exist, and the opposites merge into one community," said Octavi Royo, Agora's co-founder and CEO.
Which photo struck you the most? Don't forget to upvote and comment on your favorites!
#21 Peaceful Underwater World
Location: Gili Meno, Indonesia
"Because of the current situation in 2020, there are not many people traveling. The air quality is getting better, and the oceans are getting cleaner. We have never before seen that many turtles coming so close to the shore. It’s been amazing to witness this change, so we wanted to capture their peaceful swim."
@makyandmatt (Czech Republic)
20points
#22 Inner Peace
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
@thedallasexperience (Ghana)
19points
#23 Monks At Sunset
Location: U Bein Bridge, Myanmar
"Two local Buddhists were walking peacefully over the bridge at sunset. The toning, the colors, and the subjects all remind me of such a peaceful feeling. To date, this is still one of my most favorite photos I’ve ever taken."
@globetravelphotography (Netherlands)
19points
#24 Armonía
Location: Valencia, Spain
@andreamengo (Spain)
18points
#25 I Know A Place
Location: Bhutan
"When I saw the wall of clouds creeping through the mountains, I sensed a feeling of complete peace and surrender. Then, this song started to play in my mind: 'I know a place, where no one never goes. There's peace and quiet, beauty and repose. It's hidden in the valley, beside the mountain stream...'"
@mannylibrodo (Philippines)
18points
#26 Uncle And Niece
Location: Montmeló, Spain
@andrea_silvan (Spain)
18points
#27 Twins At Rest
Location: Chinon Center, Main-Taunus, Germany
@naturalvisions (Germany)
18points
#28 Lleno De Paz
Location: Lleida, Spain
"In one of the most challenging moments of my life, nature gave me this peaceful sunset."
@laurieknightt (Spain)
17points
#29 Morning Activity
Location: Banyuwangi, Indonesia
@wahidhasyim (Indonesia)
17points
#30 Serenity
Location: Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands
"It was around 6 AM. A big thunderstorm was coming from the west while the sun was rising in the east, which made the sky and clouds turn bright pink. There was fog all over the lake, and as everything turned into a pink wonderland, it felt like walking in a realistic dream."
@glennanthonie (Netherlands)
17points
#31 Annnnnd Relax...
Location: North Somerset, UK
"This shot was taken at 5:30 in the morning, as the sun was casting rays through the trees of the forest. I wanted to get across the idea of humanity and nature at peace."
@sameast (UK)
16points
#32 In A Hammock
Location: Moscow, Russia
@kateomely (Russia)
16points
#33 Peacefully Sleeping
Location: USA
"The little guy in the photo is one of my twin sons Luke. He is lying in my bed after a late night. What is funny about this picture is that I had to go to the hospital for a while, but before I had left, I told my twin boys they could sleep with me in our bed (we never let them do this.) I thought they had forgotten, but sure enough they did not and they slept with me side by side."
@hwilson8 (USA)
16points
#34 Under The Ocean
Location: Madeira Island, Portugal
"It was my first swim in the Atlantic Ocean. The water was so dark and deep. A beautiful and peaceful experience!"
@filippobellisola (Italy)
16points
#35 Paz
Location: Santa Fe, Argentina
@emanuelmanfrinph (Argentina)
15points
#36 Peace
Location: Mikurajima island, Japan
"Mikurajima is a famous habitat for bottlenose dolphins. Currently, about 160 animals have been confirmed in the area. It was a wonderful day, with dolphins and humans swimming together."
@reiko.t (Japan)
15points
#37 Receiving Morning Blessing From The Sun
Location: Tegalalang village, Bali, Indonesia
"It was early in the morning and we were trekking through the famous Tegalalang rice fields. As we were reaching the corner, we saw the sunlight coming from behind the threes. I asked my friend to act as if she was receiving a blessing from the universe, it was such a peaceful moment."
@baliphotographer (Indonesia)
14points
#38 Speechless Beauty
Location: Kabardino-Balkaria, Mount Elbrus, Russia
"Just myself, a tiny man on a rock, looking over the beautiful valley with the light of sunset and shadows of the mountains. Nature in all its greatness. To capture this moment, I had to run from one edge to another to choose angles and try to catch the light."
@inchaseofbeauty (Russia)
14points
#39 Alone
Location: Khulna, Bangladesh
"In solitude, you can find peace and witness your life from a great distance."
@kallayan (Bangladesh)
13points
#40 Lonely Planet
Location: Dolomites, Italy
"My girlfriend and I were waiting for the sunset, and suddenly the fog came out and it just looked magical. I always want to show magic and minimalism through my photography. Mood always has to trigger emotions."
@arnold_maisner_photo (Germany)
12points
