Applications and Nominations Open for UNESCO International Literacy Prizes 2019

Deadline: Various

Applications for Nominations: 16 June 2019
Entities to Submit their Nominations: 23 June 2019

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is calling for applications and nominations for the 2019 UNESCO International Literacy Prizes, which this year will award outstanding programmes and individuals who promote literacy around the world within the theme of ‘Literacy and Multilingualism’.

Since 1967, the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes have rewarded excellence and innovation in the field of literacy. Over 490 projects and programmes undertaken by governments, non-governmental organizations and individuals around the world have already received recognition and support for their excellent work.

The promotion of multilingualism as an asset for both literacy and educational development in general and more particularly Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) and its target 4.6 in terms of inclusivity quality and expanding access. Multilingual education facilitates access to education while promoting equity for populations speaking minority and/or indigenous languages, especially girls and women. Though two prestigious Prizes, UNESCO supports effective literacy practices and encourages the promotion of dynamic literate societies to close the literacy gap of approximately 750 millions of people.

Prize Categories

UNESCO distinguishes between two Literacy Prizes which are given to five laureates:

The UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize (2 awards), was established in 1989 and is supported by the Government of the Republic of Korea. It gives special consideration to programmes that focus on the development and use of mother-tongue literacy education and training.
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 adult literacy, especially in rural areas and for out-of-school youth, particularly girls and women.

Prize Information

Each of the prize winners receives a medal, a diploma and US$20,000.

Criteria

Governments, non-governmental organizations and individuals are kindly invited 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.
All programmes and projects must meet the selection criteria in order to be taken into consideration.
Concerned governments of UNESCO Member States and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in official partnership with UNESCO are encouraged to take into account individuals, institutions and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to the promotion of literacy and requested a nomination.

Selection Criteria