We invite photographers of all levels, from experienced professionals to amateurs, to explore and unravel the rich tapestry of human experiences with water, with more than €10 000 in prizes up for grabs. From cultural and spiritual traditions to everyday moments, livelihoods, gender, and the environment, your photos can reveal how water connects us all and influences who we are. The contest leans on the United Nation’s theme for World Water Day 2026, which will focus on the vital connections between water and gender, exploring how water shapes identities, opportunities, and equality.

  
Photostories should achieve either of the following:

  
* Explore the link between water and identity. Show how gender, profession, ethnicity, culture, background, and personal experiences shape the way people access, (un)sustainably manage, and interact with water.
* Highlight the challenges and inequalities in water access. Show the real-world impact these issues have on people's lives and the diverse ways communities are responding.
* Celebrate stories of resilience and inclusion. Give a voice to underrepresented groups and share experiences that inspire solutions for fair and sustainable water use.
* Join us in this visual journey to illuminate the complex and multifaceted relationship between water and human identities. Together, we can celebrate the strength of diversity in water stewardship and support a future where equitable and inclusive water solutions benefit all.

**Global Prizes:**

* General Category, Total Prize Pool: €5,000, sponsored by: WEX and Calumet
* 1st Prize: €3,000 + feature on Onewater's website
* 2nd Prize: €1,000 + feature on Onewater's website
* 3rd Prize: €500 + feature on Onewater's website
* 5 Merit Awards: €100 each + feature on Onewater's website
* Youth Category, sponsored by IW:Learn
* Two winners will receive an all-expenses-paid trip (travel, accommodation, and participation) to the 11th International Waters Conference (IWC) in Asia.

  
**Regional Prizes - Latin America and the Caribbean:**

* Youth Category, Total Prize Pool: €500, sponsored by: Onewater
* 1st Prize: €300 + feature on Onewater's website
* 2nd Prize: €150 + feature on Onewater's website
* 3rd Prize: €50 + feature on Onewater's website

  
**Regional Prizes - South East Asia:**

* General Category, Total Prize Pool: €5,300, sponsored by: Asian Development Bank (ADB)
* 1st Prize: €1,500 + feature on Onewater's website
* 2nd Prize: €1,000 + feature on Onewater's website
* 3rd Prize: €500 + feature on Onewater's website
* 5 Merit Awards: €100 each + feature on Onewater's website
* Youth Category, Total Prize Pool: €1,800, sponsored by: Asian Development Bank (ADB)
* 1st Prize: €800 + feature on Onewater's website
* 2nd Prize: €600 + feature on Onewater's website
* 3rd Prize: €400 + feature on Onewater's website

  
**Regional Prizes - Sub-Saharan Africa:**

* Youth Category, Total Prize Pool €500, sponsored by: WasserStiftung
* 1st Prize: €300 + feature on Onewater's website
* 2nd Prize: €150 + feature on Onewater's website
* 3rd Prize: €50 + feature on Onewater's website

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