An award ceremony and exhibition was held in Beijing on Monday to mark the conclusion of an international photo contest that aimed to help alleviate poverty.

Winner of the Zoom-in on Poverty International Photo Contest receive awards. [Maverick Chen / China.org.cn]

The Zoom-in on Poverty International Photo Contest was co-hosted by China's state news agency Xinhua and United Nations Development Programme.

"These photos force us to reflect on the drive and determination of people in poor communities around the world to create better life and the gravity of the obstacles they often must overcome," UNDP administrator Helen Clark said.

The contest, which began on May 27, received more than 32,000 entries from 109 countries. According to the organizers, the entries included works from journalists representing 262 media agencies, including Reuters, Associated Press, Itar-Tass and Kyodo News.

The contest included seven categories, and winners – four from China and one each from Italy, Spain and the Netherlands – spoke about the stories behind their works.