In preparation for the masterclass meeting in November, the participants will execute a photo essay on a theme, which for this year is "Hope". The resulting essays span from: the youngest generation of gun owners in America; the abandonment and future of Artic lands; people across the world coping with terminal illness; Iranian immigrants; anxiety; Dagastan, a largely Muslim populated community in the Northern Caucasus; children growing up in Palestinian refugee camps; unfinished development in Ghana; mothers of the "missing-in-action" soldiers from the Iran-Iraq war; Iranian emigrants; a father's courage and optimism in battling cancer; getting to know an absent father; the displaced people of Abkhazia. Since 1994, the Joop Swart Masterclass has brought together some of the finest young photographers from around the world, and leading professionals in the fields of documentary photography and photojournalism. It offers a focused, intimate and reflective learning experience to young photographers, aiming to foster their intellectual, artistic and professional growth. The Joop Swart Masterclass holds prime position among the seminars, debates and other educational programmes regularly organised within the World Press Photo Academy. It is named after the foundation's late chairman, who was a passionate supporter of young photographic talent.