UNESCO has announced the opening of online applications and nominations for the 2023 edition of the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes. The organization encourages all experts in literacy education to submit their applications and nominate organizations to recommend candidates from various regions of the world.
Prize Description
As in previous editions of UNESCO International Literacy Prizes, six awards will be granted to individuals or organizations for their outstanding projects promoting literacy learning. This year, the programs are requested to reflect the theme “Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for peaceful and sustainable societies.”
The theme emphasizes how literacy plays a crucial role in empowering individuals and communities to adapt and establish peaceful and sustainable societies, particularly during times of change and social, economic, and environmental challenges. UNESCO International Literacy Prizes have been recognizing excellence and innovation in the field of literacy for over 50 years, and since its establishment, more than 512 projects and programs worldwide have been recognized and supported for their exceptional contributions in this area.
About the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes
To bridge the literacy gap and promote opportunities for future learning and social integration, UNESCO awards six laureates annually with two highly prestigious literacy prizes: the UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize and the UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy.
UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize (3 awards): established in 1989 and supported by the Government of the Republic of Korea. Each award winner receives a medal, a diploma, and US$20,000. This prize gives special consideration to programs that promote mother language-based literacy development, which helps preserve linguistic diversity and empowers individuals and communities to participate more fully in global conversations, work, and cultures.
UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy (3 awards): established in 2005 and supported by the Government of the People’s Republic of China. Each of the three winners receives a medal, a diploma, and US$30,000. The UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy acknowledges programs that endorse various forms of literacy, including functional literacy, leveraging technological environments, in support of adults in rural areas and out-of-school youth. This prize recognizes the importance of literacy in a world where connected technologies are increasingly integral to participation in areas of life, learning, and work.
Eligibility Criteria
The UNESCO International Literacy Prizes application is open to all governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals who contribute to promoting and advancing literacy learning through projects and programs.
Applications should be submitted to the nominating entities, either the National Commission for UNESCO in the program’s country or an NGO in official partnership with UNESCO who are encouraged to submit the nominated individuals, institutions, and organizations to UNESCO. The nominations will be assessed by an independent International Jury, composed of five experts based on the selection criteria.
Based on the recommendations of the International Jury, the Director-General of UNESCO will select the finalists to be awarded on International Literacy Day, which falls on September 8, 2023.
Candidates can submit their applications through the online platform. For more information about the application and nomination process, kindly visit the official website of the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes’ website.
Deadlines
The deadlines for candidates to submit applications to nominating entities are on June 28, 2023. Meanwhile, the deadline for nominating entities to submit their nominations to UNESCO is on July 12, 2023.
Conclusion
Literacy plays an essential role in eradicating poverty, promoting education in modern times, helping children and adults acquire the knowledge and skills they need to lead a dignified and fulfilling life. UNESCO is committed to improving literacy skills worldwide and recognizes outstanding and innovative projects and programs that contribute to achieving the organization’s goals. The UNESCO International Literacy Prizes are a vital part of the organization’s efforts to achieve this goal and foster peaceful and sustainable societies worldwide.