UNESCO Digital Storytelling Contest 2026

The International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI), a pioneering UNESCO Category 2 Institute on Media and Information Literacy (MIL), invites interested individuals to participate in its Digital Storytelling for Peacebuilding activity as part of one of its flagship initiatives, the Africa Against Xenophobia Project (AfAX-P).

This activity invites young Africans to use digital media to create narratives that promote unity, tolerance, and peace while countering xenophobia, mis/disinformation, and hate across the continent.

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AfAX-P is IMILI’s strategic effort to combat xenophobia and hate driven by misinformation and disinformation, which threaten Africa’s social fabric, regional unity, and economic integration.

Recognizing the power of youth and digital media, participants are encouraged to produce original digital stories that promote unity, tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and the rejection of xenophobia and misinformation across Africa.

Submissions should underscore the importance of responsible digital communication that highlights Africa’s diversity and motivates collective efforts toward a more harmonious future.

Highlight

• Type: Contest
• Sponsor: United Nations
• Project Name: Africa Against Xenophobia Project (AfAX-P)
• Eligible Countries: African Countries
• Benefits: Cash prizes, Mentorship opportunities, Publications, Certifications
• Deadline: September 29, 2026

Criteria for the UNESCO Digital Storytelling Contest 2026

• Age: Applicants must be between 15 and 30 years old at the time of submission.
• Nationality: Open to individuals of African nationality or heritage residing either within Africa or in the diaspora.
• Originality: Submissions must be original works created by the participant(s) and not previously published or awarded.
• Language: Submissions can be in English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, or any African language, provided English subtitles are included for non-English entries.

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Perks of participating in the UNESCO Digital Storytelling Contest 2026

• All Finalists: The works of the top 50 finalists will be featured across AfAX-P activities.
• Top 20 Winners: Cash prizes, mentorship opportunities with leading media professionals, and an invitation to an exclusive virtual workshop where the Top 20 winners will share the stories behind their submissions.
• Publication: Selected stories will be showcased on the IMILI website and potentially integrated into IMILI’s educational resources.
• Dissemination Support: Finalists will be encouraged and supported in using their submissions to engage with their chosen communities as part of the Africa Against Xenophobia campaign.
• Certificates: All participants will receive a Certificate of Participation.

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Assessment Criteria 

Submissions will be evaluated based on:

• Relevance to Theme (20%): How well does your entry address unity, tolerance, and peace
• Creativity and Originality (25%): Does your work offer a unique perspective or innovative approach
• Impact and Message (25%): Is your message clear, compelling, and resonant with a global youth audience
• Technical Quality (15%): How well is your entry executed within its chosen medium
• Social Media Engagement (15%): The extent to which your submission encourages meaningful discussion and audience interaction, as measured by the number of likes, shares, and comments received on social media platforms

How to Participate

• Prepare Your Entry: Create an original piece of work in one of the four categories that addresses the theme of combating mis/disinformation-driven xenophobia and promoting peace.
• Submit Online: The online submission form: https://tally.so/r/q4pj1g.
• Share on social media: Post your entry on your preferred social media platforms, tag all official IMILI hashtags (#imilinstitute and #AfricaAgainstXenophobia).

For inquiries regarding “Digital Storytelling for Peacebuilding,” please visit the IMILI website at www.imilinstitute.org or email us at info@imilinstitute.org.

Join us in shaping a narrative of hope, understanding, and unity for Africa!

Deadline: 29th September, 2026

Apply Here for UNESCO Digital Storytelling Contest 2026