UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize 2020

UNESCO established the World Press Freedom Prize in honor of Guillermo Cano, a Colombian journalist who died in the exercise of his profession. The purpose of the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize is to reward each year a person, organization or institution that has made a notable contribution to the defense and/or promotion of press freedom anywhere in the world, especially if risks have been involved. The objective of the Prize is in conformity with UNESCO’s policies and is related to the program of the Organization in the field of communication and information and, more specifically, to the priority given to promoting an enabling environment for freedom of expression and freedom of information. 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. In 2020, the Prize is scheduled to be awarded on 23 April.

World Press Freedom Day 2020 will take place in The Hague (Netherlands) from 22 to 24 April 2020.

The Prize is funded by the Cano Foundation (Colombia) and the Helsingin Sanomat Foundation (Finland).

Eligibility Requirements 

• Candidates shall have made a significant contribution to press freedom anywhere in the world representing all types of media including digital media. Prizes may be conferred upon individuals, institutions, other entities or non-governmental organizations.

Opportunity Cost

• winner is presented with the sum of US$25,000.

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 2020 by post or by email to: 

UNESCO
Communication and Information Sector
Division of Freedom of Expression and Media Development 
Section for Freedom of Expression
7, Place de Fontenoy 
75007 Paris 
France 

You may also consult the rules of the Prize here.