UNICEF Germany’s international UNICEF Photo of the Year competition annually recognizes photographs and reportages by professional photojournalists that document the personalities and living conditions of children. The newly selected winning images of the 2025 competition will be presented at the Willy-Brandt-Haus from January 30 to April 26, 2026. The award-winning works reveal diverse facets of the precarious living conditions of millions of children worldwide, whose rights are violated daily – and all too often remain invisible.

As in previous years, an independent jury decided on the winners. The winning reportages and documentaries are captivating due to their exceptional aesthetic and journalistic quality, as well as their care, empathy, and respect for children.

The winning photograph by French photojournalist Elise Blanchard shows ten-year-old Hajira from the Afghan province of Nangarhar – engrossed in studying at home in a remote village east of Kabul. It represents the quiet but unwavering resilience of millions of Afghan girls who have been denied access to secondary education for more than four years.

Mirja Linnekugel, Artistic Director of the Friends of the Willy Brandt House, explains:
“Education is the key to a just and free future. Yet in Afghanistan, this key is currently being denied to millions of girls – with consequences for entire generations. This year’s winning image reminds us of the situation in the country and simultaneously offers hope that curiosity and the thirst for knowledge are ultimately stronger than any prohibition.”

“Elise Blanchard’s work demonstrates what journalistic storytelling can achieve at its best: it creates empathy, respect, and a sense of connection,” said Peter-Matthias Gaede, Jury Chair and member of the German Committee of UNICEF. “In Blanchard’s image of the girl Hajira, an often abstract concept becomes very concrete: human dignity.”

Second prize: Natalya Saprunova | Mongolia’s children at risk: The devastating impact of air pollution – Wo sich der Himmel verdüstert, Mongolei

Third prize: Sourav Das | Children in Jharia’s Coal Mines Lose Childhood to Smoke, Fire and Endless Survival – Eine Kindheit zwischen Rauch und Feuer, Indien

Honorable Mentions:
Anya Tsaruk, Ukraine: „I Hope Your Family is Safe“
Arez Ghaderi, Afghanistan: „What children’s faces reveal“
Emilie Toldam, Great Britain: „Miss Vogue“ for Jyllands-Posten
Hossein Beris, Iran: „Walking back to life“, Middle East Images
Laura Pannack, South Africa: „The journey home“
Saher Alghorra, Gaza, Palestine: „Displacement, hunger, suffering“ for the New York Times
Sandro Maddalena, Ukraine: „Raised by War“

Freundeskreis Willy-Brandt-Haus (FkWBH)

Freundeskreis Willy-Brandt-Haus was founded in 1996 as a non-profit association. Since the opening of Willy-Brandt-Haus, FkWBH has provided a varied free programme of events at the interface of culture and politics. In addition to the regular exhibitions, readings, discussions and film evenings are also offered to a wide audience.

Thursday, Jan 29, 2026, 7 pm (admission from 6:30 pm)
Opening reception
Welcome: Mirja Linnekugel (Artistic Director of the Freundeskreis Willy-Brandt-Haus e. V.), Speakers: Dietmar Nietan (Chairman of FkWBH), Reem Alabali Radovan MdB (Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development), Peter-Matthias Gaede (Chairman of the Jury & Member of the German Committee for UNICEF), Anya Tsaruk (award winner) and Arez Ghaderi (award winner). Admission free | ID required.

Friday, Feb 20, 2026, 6 – 7 pm
After Work Tour (de)
Exclusive guided tour of the current exhibitions after regular opening hours. Mirja Linnekugel, artistic director of FkWBH – Freundeskreis Willy-Brandt-Haus e. V., offers visitors the opportunity to gain a deeper insight into the exhibited works in a relaxed atmosphere. This time, UNICEF Jury member Gisela Kayser (and former artistic director of FkWBH) will guide you through the exhibition. Admission free | No registration | ID required.
Details

Thursday, Apr 2, 2026, 2 – 3 pm
Guided tour (de)
Admission free | No registration | ID required.
Details
Individual appointments for groups can also be arranged: Daniela Zehe, bildung@freundeskreis-wbh.de

Please check the FkWBH website for closing days and access regulations before your visit.