UNESCO International Literacy Prizes

The 2021 call for applications and nominations is now open.

The theme for this year is “Inclusive distance and digital literacy learning”

Since 1967, UNESCO International Literacy Prizes have rewarded excellence and innovation in the field of literacy. Over 500 projects and programmes undertaken by governments, non-governmental organizations and individuals around the world have been recognized. Through these prestigious Prizes, UNESCO seeks to support effective literacy practices and encourages the promotion of dynamic literate societies.

Currently there are two UNESCO International Literacy Prizes:

• The UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize (3 awards)

Established in 1989, with the support of the Government of the Republic of Korea. It gives special consideration to mother language-based literacy development.
– Read the statutes.

Each of the three UNESCO King Sejong prizewinners receives a medal, a diploma and US$20.000.

• The UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy (3 awards)

The UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy, established in 2005, with the support of the Government of the People’s Republic of China. It gives special consideration functional literacy, leveraging technological environments, in support of adults in rural areas and out-of-school Youth.
– Read the statutes.

Each of the three UNESCO Confucius prizewinners receives a medal, a diploma and US$30.000.

The winners of UNESCO International Literacy Prizes 2020 were announced by the Director-General of UNESCO on 7 September 2020, following the recommendations of an international jury.

Who can apply and who can nominate?

Governments, non-governmental organizations and individuals who promote literacy through projects and programmes are welcome to apply. All applications should be submitted to nominating entities, such as the National Commission for UNESCO in the country of the programme, or an NGO that is in an official partnership with UNESCO.

Candidates can submit their applications through the online platform. Details about the application and nomination process are on the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes’ website.

National Commissions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in official partnership with UNESCO are encouraged to nominate individuals, institutions and organizations who are making outstanding contributions to promoting literacy and who request a nomination.

• Deadline for candidates to submit applications to nominating entities: 13 June 2021 (midnight, Paris time).
• Deadline for nominating entities to submit their nominations to UNESCO: 27 June 2021 (midnight, Paris time).

The nominations will be assessed by an independent International Jury, composed of five experts on the basis of the selection criteria. Based on the recommendations of the International Jury, the Director-General of UNESCO will select the finalists to be awarded at the occasion of International Literacy Day (8 September).

How to apply?

Request your user account through this link www.unesco.org/ilp/account. You will then be able to proceed to the online application form.
Fill in and submit the electronic application form in English or French to UNESCO’s Secretariat via the concerned Member States through the National Commission for UNESCO by 13 June 2021 (midnight, Paris
time). If applying through an International Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), which maintains official relations with UNESCO, please provide project information and request a nomination letter directly from the NGO, to be attached to the electronic application form by 27 June 2021.

About the Prizes

Through two prestigious literacy Prizes, UNESCO supports effective literacy practices and encourages the promotion of dynamic literate societies to close the literacy gap of approximately 773 million of people.

UNESCO distinguishes between two Literacy Prizes which are given to six laureates in total:

• The UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize (3 awards), was established in 1989 and is supported by the Government of the Republic of Korea. It gives special consideration to programmes that promote mother language-based literacy development.
  Each UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize winner receives a medal, a diploma and US$20,000.
• The UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy (3 awards), was established in 2005, and is supported by the Government of the People’s Republic of China. This Prize recognizes programmes that promote literacy, including functional literacy, leveraging technological environments, in support of adults in rural areas and out-of-school youth.
  Each UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy winner receives a medal, a diploma and US$30,000.

More information:

• UNESCO International Literacy Prizes
• International Literacy Day
• What UNESCO does on Literacy
• Contact: literacyprizes@unesco.org