The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is accepting applications and nominations for the International Literacy Prizes, 2024. The award seeks to honour excellence and innovation by literary experts and organizations in the field of literacy.
Since its inception over 50 years ago, the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes have recognized and celebrated exceptional initiatives that enhance literacy education, with over 518 projects and programmes supported worldwide.
This year’s theme, “Promoting multilingual education: Literacy for mutual understanding and peace,” underscores the importance of multilingualism in fostering mutual understanding and respect among diverse communities. By advocating for first-language-based education approaches, UNESCO aims to strengthen cultural identities and collective histories while promoting peace and unity.
The International Literacy Prizes will award six individuals or organizations whose projects demonstrate outstanding contributions to literacy learning.
The award features two categories with three awards each. They are: the UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize (three awards): Supported by the Government of the Republic of Korea. This prize recognizes programmes that promote mother language-based literacy development, preserving linguistic diversity and empowering communities globally. Each award winner receives a medal, a diploma and US$20,000.
The second category is the UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy (three awards). Supported by the Government of the People’s Republic of China, this prize honors initiatives that promote various forms of literacy, including functional literacy and technological literacy, particularly benefiting rural populations and out-of-school youth. Each of the three winners receives a medal, a diploma and US$30,000.
Applications are open to governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and individuals engaged in literacy promotion. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their applications through their country’s National Commission for UNESCO or an NGO officially partnered with UNESCO. Nominations will be rigorously evaluated by an independent International Jury composed of five experts.
The deadline for candidates to submit applications to nominating entities is July 5, 2024 (midnight, Paris time), while nominating entities must submit their nominations to UNESCO by July 19, 2024 (midnight, Paris time).
For further information and to apply, please visit UNESCO International Literacy Prizes.
