The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) is inviting nominations for the 2026 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize. Established in 1997, the Prize honours the memory of Guillermo Cano, a Colombian journalist who was killed for his dedication to press freedom. It recognises individuals, organisations, or institutions that have made an outstanding contribution to defending or promoting press freedom, often at great personal risk.
Eligible nominees include individuals, organisations, or institutions that have made an exceptional contribution to defending or promoting press freedom worldwide, especially in circumstances of considerable risk. UNESCO Member States may nominate candidates in consultation with their National Commissions. Also, international and regional professional Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) working in the field of journalism and press freedom may submit up to three candidates for the Prize.
Each nomination shall be accompanied by a written recommendation in English or French, including a description of the candidate’s background and achievements; the candidate’s contribution of major importance to the promotion of freedom of the press, submitted to the jury for consideration; a definition of the candidate’s contribution to the award objectives; and a high-resolution photo portrait of the candidate.
Nominations must be submitted using the official nomination form in English or French, no later than February 15, 2026. Submissions may be sent by post or e-mail. Further information and nomination guidelines are available here.
The winner will receive the sum of $25,000, a certificate, and an object symbolising the award. It will be given on World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2026.
The prize is supported by the Guillermo Cano Isaza Foundation (Colombia), the Namibia Media Trust (Namibia), The Thomson Reuters Foundation (United Kingdom) and the Democracy & Media Foundation – Stichting Democratie & Media (The Netherlands).
The World Press Freedom Day also serves as a reminder to governments to honour their promise to uphold press freedom. For journalists and media professionals, it is a moment to reflect on the challenges of press freedom and the responsibilities of their work.
It is also a day to stand in solidarity with media outlets facing restrictions or threats, and to remember those courageous journalists who gave their lives in pursuit of the truth.
