NPR photos around the world that moved us in 2023

Perseverance, joy, discovery, grief — these are just some of the experiences that have made up 2023. Much of the news has been devastating to see: Russia’s war with Ukraine and the ongoing fighting between Israel and Hamas in Gaza; earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, and later in Morocco.

But there have been other touching moments — sometimes away from the headlines, and the front lines — that have moved the world this year, too. Photographers have been there to bear witness, often at personal risk. No matter where or what they were photographing, they were able to shed a light on the events that shaped this year.

Here is a selection of photography made and commissioned by NPR from 2023.