Over the last few years, we have taken initiatives and started programs to encourage a more diverse and inclusive representation of the world. While important steps have been made since 2015, when we first publicized contest entrant data to be more transparent about the need for greater diversity, we must continue the work to achieve a more inclusive, diverse visual journalism industry, and to highlight a multiplicity of voices to offer a more balanced view of the world.

Therefore, the World Press Photo Foundation launched a new strategy in 2021 that includes changes to our contest, exhibitions and education programs. The 2022 Contest was the result of the first year of this new strategy and we are proud to say that the winners give a much more geographically balanced view of the world, with a majority of winning photographers being local to the countries which they are documenting, resulting in more nuanced perspectives and a better shared understanding. The winning stories documented a range of issues from the undeniable effects of the climate crisis to civil rights movements, and from access to education to preserving Indigenous practices and identity.

Hear more about the decisions behind the strategy from executive director, Joumana El Zein Khoury and results of the 2022 Contest from the global jury and the global winners: