The PHotoFUNIBER’26 International Photography Contest, organized by the Iberoamerican University Foundation (FUNIBER), the Universidad Europea del Atlántico (European University of the Atlantic, UNEATLANTICO), the Universidad Internacional do Cuanza (International University of Cuanza, UNIC), the Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana de México (International Iberoamerican University of Mexico, UNINI México), the Fundación Universitaria Internacional de Colombia (International University Foundation of Colombia, UNINCOL), the Universidad de La Romana (University of La Romana, UNIROMANA), and the Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana (International Iberoamerican University, UNIB).
The contest was organized as part of the FUNIBER and UNEATLANTICO Cultural Work, which seeks to promote, disseminate, and celebrate art and creativity, in collaboration with FUNIBER’s Social Action department.
“Social Impact”
The contest jury has announced the results of this year’s contest edition, in which dozens of participants submitted entries focused on the proposed theme, “Social Impact.” The pictures submitted by the contestants have shed light on a wide variety of perspectives on issues of great collective importance, ranging from inclusion and equal opportunity to solidarity, volunteerism, sustainability, social cohesion, and overcoming situations of vulnerability and conflict. Through their pictures, the authors have highlighted both social issues and examples of civic engagement and positive change.
The photographs on display stand out for their diversity of approaches and styles. The contest has received documentary snapshots, emotionally charged portraits, everyday scenes with a strong human element, and more artistic works that invite reflection. Together, these works have highlighted the power of photography as a way for raising awareness and bringing to light realities that often go unnoticed.
During the judging process, the jury considered various criteria in selecting the winning pictures. These include the ability to convey a message of social impact in an ethical manner, the narrative and emotional power of the photograph, the originality of the concept, technical and compositional quality, and the authenticity of the scenes depicted. Special emphasis was also placed on the participants’ ability to capture human stories that resonate with their immediate surroundings and prompt reflection on social reality.
Jury Award: “I Return to You,” by Nicolás Bernal (Colombia)
“The picture is a clear symbol of resistance and social impact in a context where gender diversity is often hidden out of fear or shame. In the composition, we see the mother accepting her child’s decision despite religion or societal expectations—symbolized in the photo by the child and the crucifix hanging on the wall,” states jury member Federico Estol.
Since public voting began, up to 7,705 people casted their vote. The photo with the most votes was “The Invisible Burden of Care”, by Eberson Josue Martinez Fuentes (Honduras), with 1,647 votes, which won the public voting award.
In addition, eight special awards were presented (two for FUNIBER scholarship recipients, two for undergraduate students at the Universidad Europea del Atlántico, two for students at the Universidade Internacional do Cuanza) and two awards for students at the Universidad de La Romana (UNIROMANA).
An honorable mention was awarded to the photograph “Infâncias ribeirinhas, futuros compartilhados,” by Helder Campina de Lana (Brazil) for receiving 1,432 votes.
Special Awards
The winners of the special awards were:
Special FUNIBER Award:
- Where We Find Support, Carlos Emilio Bianchi Muñoz (Guatemala)
- Food for Everyone, Yinna Paola Higuera Bernal (Ecuador)
Special UNEATLANTICO Award:
- Refuge of Humanity, Axel Ayme Hibert (Spain)
- Innocent Peace, Fabio Iannuccelli (Italy)
Special UNIC Award:
- A alma do musseque, Maria de Lurdes Pedro (Angola)
- Onde a urgência vira brincadeira, Élvia Bento (Angola)
Special UNIROMANA Award:
- Silvia’s Patio, Federico Angel Villar Silfa (Dominican Republic)
- Where We Become One, Yaneiry Amanda Valeria Santana Gomez (Dominican Republic)
PHOTOFUNIBER’26 thanks everyone participating in this edition: the jury of honor, the participating photographers, and the people who voted for their favorite picture. Through this contest, the organization reaffirms its commitment to photography as a means of expression and social transformation, promoting the creation of images that help foster dialogue, understanding, and civic engagement.
We hope that talent and creativity can always find spaces for expression and encouragement. See you in the next edition!