19/10/2026
The results are in! Congratulations to all our winners in the Global Action Photo competition 2026. And thank you to all who entered - your stories and images are truly inspiring ✨️
Overall Winner 🏆
Story behind the photo: This was taken on the hill up to the Swayambunath Stupa, known for its monkeys surrounding the temple. On the hill, we stumbled upon a barrel of baby monkeys rolling down the hills and playing with each other. I found it all so sweet how carefree and silly these babies were. When I took this photo, I caught a pair of juvenile monkeys rolling down, but I realised that despite their chaotic and rough way of playing, they still held onto each other to make sure the other was safe. I was in awe that I was able to capture this tender split-second moment.
Winner 'Friendship' 🏆
Story behind the photo: This photo sums up the highlights of my trip to Nepal. The long trek... & friendships. Every turn and every corner welcomes another breathtaking view of nature and the mountains, reminding us of how incredibly powerful nature is and how incredibly small we are in comparison. It was a memorable experience with friends old and new, forged through experiences and adventures I will cherish forever.
Winner 'The Natural World' 🏆
Story behind the photo: The photograph of a praying mantis exploring a flower in the jungle represents both the hidden marvels of the natural living world at work together.
Winner 'Culture' 🏆
Story behind the photo: This photo shows another side of Geneva city culture with the busy streets intertwining in the Swiss night life
Winner SDGs in Action 🏆
Story behind the photo: The photo of the mother monkey and baby monkey links back to the categories I’ve chosen because animals are a big part of nature. In my eyes, nature consists of plants, animals and the natural evolution of a place. This evolution happens when multiple different factors play their roles. Monkeys, for example, help with the cycle of life because they eat insects and fruits, while also contributing to seed dispersal by spreading seeds when they eat fruits. Those will then spread and help new plants grow. Their activities help keep the ecosystem functional and balanced. This connects to the SDGs in Action because protecting animals and their habitats helps maintain healthy and sustainable ecosystems. This relates especially to SDG15: life on Land.
Runner Up 🏆✌️
Story behind the photo: This image is about perspective and our relationship with the sea.
The porthole frames the vast expanse of the Ionian Sea, with the ship appearing small against the endless blue. Travelling through these waters reminded me that the Mediterranean is not simply a route between destinations, but a living ecosystem that supports an incredible diversity of marine life, from dolphins and sea turtles to seabirds. Even as we explore these environments, we are only visitors within them.
The message of this image is one of humility: the ocean is the true subject, and the ship is simply passing through it, just as we are.
For me, this is what makes a Global Action expedition so valuable. Travel is not just about seeing new places; it is about taking the time to observe, learn and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world around us. These experiences allow us to see environments with fresh eyes and understand why they are worth protecting.
The lessons we take from these journeys should not end when the trip does. They should influence the choices we make, the conversations we have and the actions we take when we return home. I hope this image inspires others to travel with curiosity and humility, to appreciate the beauty of our oceans, and to carry that connection forward in helping protect the natural world.
