Capturing the Essence of the Great Lakes Region: Photo Contest Celebrates Peace, Security and Collaboration

As the culmination of a photography competition by the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes region, the winning entries are now on display at UN Headquarters in Nairobi.

The winning photograph by David Gloire. Against the backdrop of a serene sunset, five individuals proudly stand atop a hill in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. United in purpose, they raise their hands in unison. Photo credit: David Gloire

I n a bid to capture in images the stories, challenges, and opportunities of the Great Lakes region , the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General (OSESG-GL) put out a call to photographers in December 2022. The contest — “The Great Lakes Region Through Your Lens” — marked the 10th anniversary of the Peace, Security and Cooperation (PSC) Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region.

In the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, parents tenderly bathe their child. This image, captured by 28-year-old Congolese photographer Neema Bongilo Kasoki says she is driven by a profound commitment to give voice to the voiceless, describes photography as her tool to shed light on the plight of the people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly women and children. Photo credit: Neema Bongilo Kasoki

The entries, from dozens of photographers from the region and beyond, presented vivid portraits of the people and landscapes of the signatory nations of the PSC Framework. A five-member jury made up of representatives of key UN entities (DPPA, UN-Habitat, and the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes region) awarded the top prize to David Gloire of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Notable mentions went to Neema Kasoki, also from the DRC, and Kenyan photographer Kevin Ochieng.

In Siaya County, in Kenya’s Nyanza region, a captivating scene unfolds as two young girls sprint towards their classroom. In an environment where access to education can be limited for girls, the image vividly captures thegirls’ palpable excitement and their unwavering aspirations. It serves as a strong reminder of the critical significance of empowering women and girls through education. Photo credit: Kevin Ochieng Onyango

In November 2023, the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) showcased the contestants’ work and shed light on the diverse narratives of the region. The event also provided an opportunity to highlight the mandate and activities of the Office of the Special Envoy.

Special Envoy Huang Xia said that, beyond celebrating photographic talent, the contest recognized that the narratives of the winning images extend beyond their frames. “These images highlight the diversity and beauty of the Great Lakes region, but also the challenges it faces,” he said. “They give us a glimpse of a unique and complex region from the perspective of the people who live there, reflecting a message of resilience and hope.”

To view more photographs from the competition, click here.

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