This Prize was established by UNESCO’s Executive Board, in 1997, in honour of Guillermo Cano, a Colombian journalist who died in the exercise of his profession. Its purpose is to reward each year a person, organization or institution that has made a notable contribution to the defence and/or promotion of press freedom anywhere in the world, especially if risks have been involved.
Awarded annually, on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day (3 May), the Prize is marked by a ceremony and the winner is presented with the sum of US$ 25,000.
World Press Freedom Day 2021 will take place in Windhoek, Namibia, on 3 May 2021.
The Prize is funded by the Cano Foundation (Colombia), the Helsingin Sanomat Foundation (Finland), the Namibia Media Trust (Namibia) and Stichting Democratie en Media (Netherlands).
How to submit your nomination
Nominations for the Prize should be submitted by filling out the form in English or French and sending it before 15 February 2021 by post or by email to:
UNESCO
Communication and Information Sector
Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists Section
7 Place de Fontenoy
75007 Paris
France
Tel: 33.1.45.68.04.67
E-mail: g.godoi@unesco.org(link sends e-mail); f.romer@unesco.org(link sends e-mail)
You may also consult the rules of the Prize.