Videos selected for the PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival are recognized based on their relevance to the festival’s themes, for their potential to inspire audiences, as well as for their artistic quality, originality, and innovative and creative content.

UNAOC works closely with an International Jury of six to eight members, who are selected each year for their experience and achievements in the fields of filmmaking and media, and expertise across areas such as migration, diversity, social inclusion, and other pressing global issues.

There are a variety of opportunities and distinctions granted through PLURAL+ each year.

PLURAL+ International Jury Distinctions:

The International Jury Distinction recognizes outstanding short films across age categories. One video is selected per age category:

• Up to 12 years old
• 13 to 17 years old
• 18 to 25 years old

PLURAL+ Special Recognitions:

PLURAL+ Special Recognitions highlight films that address specific themes aligned with UNAOC priorities in the context of current global challenges. In 2026, UNAOC will confer the following Special Recognitions:

• The Special Recognition for Combating Xenophobia and Discrimination will be conferred to 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 conferred 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.

PLURAL+ Partner Recognitions:

PLURAL+ partner organizations contribute to the festival by conferring a multitude of recognitions, mentorship opportunities, festival participation and professional opportunities to outstanding young filmmakers.

PLURAL+ Recipients

PLURAL+ Recipients are invited to present their work during the annual PLURAL+ Ceremony, an exciting international event attended by a diverse, global audience (United Nations staff members, media professionals, representatives of civil society organizations, academics, and other stakeholders).

Global Exposure and Opportunities

PLURAL+ provides young creators with an opportunity to amplify their voices internationally. PLURAL+ videos gain international exposure, and their young media makers get the opportunity to meet and network with many professionals, peers, and organizations, and explore opportunities for further distribution and dissemination of their work.