FOR OUR PLANET Photo Competition Winners announced

On Friday, 14 March 2025, the Delegation of the European Union to Azerbaijan, held a special event at Ganjlik Mall to close the EU campaign “For Our Planet” as well as to announce the winners of the photo competition.

The competition, which started as part of the campaign in November 2024, called upon emerging photographers to submit photos taken with smartphones under the four main themes of the campaign: Air, Water, Earth and Energy.

In his opening speech, H.E. Mr. Peter Michalko, the EU Ambassador to Azerbaijan, stated: “Today I announce the closing of the “For Our Planet” campaign, which we started last year. It aimed to promote the best practices for environmental management and climate action in the lead up to, during and after COP29.”

More than 120 photos were submitted for the competition and a total of 12 winning photos were selected (3 for each category). An additional 22 photos were selected by the jury for the exhibition, including one special prize, which was launched today at Ganjlik Mall, Baku. Throughout this campaign, the EU Delegation consistently highlighted the fact that each individual can do their part to protect the planet. It is hoped that this exhibition will allow individuals and communities to view natural resources differently and inspire them to contribute to the protection of the planet. As part of “For Our Planet” more than 2 million people have been reached through social media and an outdoor campaign.

The winners of the photo competition will receive a free photography course including a full day workshop with the world-renowned photographer Reza Deghati. At the event, H.E. Mr. Peter Michalko also thanked ADA University, the students and the Young European Ambassadors for their contribution to the campaign.

The winners of each category are as follows: AIR: Kanan Arifli, Aydan Rzayeva, Aysun Ahmadova;

WATER: Gunel Sultanova, Tural Abdulla, Türkan Kərimova;

EARTH: Xadica Miraliyeva, Turkan Karimova, Maryam Nazarli;

ENERGY: Sitara Aghayeva, Kanan Arifli, Nigar Samadli.

The photo exhibition will remain at Ganjlik Mall for another two weeks for public viewing.