Independent photojournalism and documentary pho tography are indispensable tools of political education for a democratic society play an essential role in shaping public opinion-especially in our so-called "post-factual" era. In recognition of this, the independent nonprofit organization World Press Photo Foundation, based in Amsterdam, has been presenting the World Press Photo Award for the best photo, the best story, the best long term project of the year for more than six decades. The winning images in the various categories tell bold sto ries and provide invaluable insights into the state of our world. The award-winning photos will be announced at the same time as the book launch and presented in a PHotogrApHY WORLD PRESS PHOTO YEARBOOK 2025 traveling exhibition. So it is and remains extremely excit ing to see which works will be selected from thousands of submissions-and, of course, which photo will be the actual cover illustration!