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!
#41 Northern Lights
Location: Jokulsarlon lagoon, Iceland
"After spending our first 7 days in Iceland, we still hadn't had the chance to see the northern lights once, which made us so sad. We decided to try one last time, on our last night, and we arranged a visit to this famous lagoon. We drove for about 3 hours from our hotel, and once we got there, flashes of green lights started to dance above us: I thought to myself that we got blessed for our last night in the land of ice and fire."
@samuelemiccoli (Italy)
11points
#42 South Pacific Colors
Location: Cook Islands
"We were amazed by the beauty and the tranquility of this lagoon."
@ghislainfave (France)
11points
#43 Yoga In The Desert
Location: United Arab Emirates
"Although the sand was burning our feet, we thoroughly enjoyed this session in the desert."
@polatina (Poland)
11points
#44 Alone
Location: Tre Cime Di Lavaredo, Italy
"One of the best views of Tre Cime Di Lavaredo! Worth the 17-km trek to reach this spot."
@lanoiadelbarret (Spain)
10points
#45 Peace
Location: Spain
@gerardmarsal (Spain)
9points
#46 Freedom
Location: Summit of Vassdalstinden, Norway
"I wanted to create romance in the sunset since we were above the clouds."
@uglefisk (Norway)
8points
#47 Paz Absoluta
Location: Madrid, Spain
@geli8 (Spain)
6points
#48 In The Middle Of The Saxony
Location: Germany
@silviooeser (Germany)
5points
#49 Peace
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
"Find your peace in the middle of the chaos to keep hoping and dreaming for a better future."
@gabrielgotti (Brazil)
3points
#50 Sunset Desert Yoga
Location: Provo, USA
"Who wouldn't want some peace of mind right now?"
@jcvaldoz (USA)
3points
