New York, 27 April 2026 – Highlighting the power of youth as agents of social change, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) has launched the 2026 edition of its PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival.
The United Nations festival invites filmmakers worldwide under the age of 25 to submit short films addressing pressing social issues in three age categories: 12 years old and under; 13 to 17 years old; and 18 to 25 years old. This year, PLURAL+ will continue to highlight key themes including migration, diversity, and social inclusion, while spotlighting three special categories focusing on combating xenophobia and discrimination, promoting responsible narratives on migration, and fostering intercultural and interreligious dialogue through ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence.
“At a time when narratives can divide as much as they can connect, PLURAL+ continues to provide a unique platform for young people to bring forward perspectives that shape how we understand contemporary social challenges and foster diverse societies.” said Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, Under-Secretary-General, High Representative for UNAOC and UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia. “Through PLURAL+, UNAOC contributes to cultivating a generation of storytellers committed to fostering dialogue and understanding. Their voices are essential to advancing our shared humanity,” he added.
Now in its 18th edition, PLURAL+ encourages young people worldwide to use innovative storytelling — whether through narrative fiction, documentary, animation, or any other form — to challenge stereotypes, foster dialogue, and advocate for social cohesion. Submissions should have the potential to make the audience think in constructive ways about cross-cutting social issues pertaining, but not limited to, upholding human rights, tackling racism and discrimination, as well as promoting dialogue and mutual understanding.
Three videos, one for each of the age categories (12 years old and under; 13 to 17 years old; and 18 to 25 years old) will receive PLURAL+ 2026 International Jury Distinctions.
Additionally, UNAOC will confer two Special Recognitions this year:
The Special Recognition for Combating Xenophobia and Discrimination, for a video that promotes mutual respect and highlights global issues of xenophobia and discrimination. This includes discrimination based on ethnicity, religion or belief, including antisemitism, Christianophobia, Islamophobia, and other forms of intolerance against other religions and faiths.
The Special Recognition for Responsible Narratives on Migration will be granted to a video portraying efforts to tackle online misinformation and disinformation affecting migrants, while promoting ethical storytelling and the dissemination of accurate, fact-based information from reliable sources.
The Special Recognition on AI for #OneHumanity will be granted to a video harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence to foster intercultural and interreligious dialogue, through ethical and responsible means. This includes exploring how AI can be used as a force for good to advance inclusive and responsible digital narratives, strengthen mutual understanding, and contribute to positive social impact.
Selected films will be showcased at the 2026 PLURAL+ Ceremony and will be broadcast live through UN Web TV and on the PLURAL+ website. During the Ceremony, young filmmakers will have the opportunity to present their work to a global audience.
The deadline to submit videos to the 18th edition of PLURAL+ is 30 June, at 05:00pm EDT (New York time).
The full details and eligibility criteria are available here. To submit a video, click here.
For inquiries, please contact:
Doğan Aşık, Strategic Partnership Consultant, UNAOC (dogana@unops.org)
Carlos Fernández, Project Management Support – Senior Assistant, UNAOC (carlosfe@unops.org)