The UNESCO International Literacy Prizes

Every year, the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes reward excellence and innovation in the field of literacy throughout the world.

By honouring the work of institutions, organizations and individuals through these Prizes, UNESCO seeks to support effective literacy practices and encourages the promotion of dynamic literate societies.

Current UNESCO International Literacy Prizes:

  • The UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize Supporting literacy in multilingual contexts
  • The UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy Supporting literacy in rural areas

    Every year, UNESCO invites Member States and International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) maintaining formal consultative relations with the Organization to solicit and submit candidatures to the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes.

    The selection of prize winners is made by an International Jury appointed by UNESCO’s Director-General, which meets in Paris once a year.

    The Prize is normally awarded at an official ceremony held for that purpose at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on the occasion of International Literacy Day (8 September).

    The UNESCO International Literacy Prizes are open to institutions, organizations or individuals displaying outstanding merit in literacy, achieving particularly effective results and promoting innovative approaches.

    How to apply:

  • Nominations must be submitted to the Director-General either by the governments of Member States, in consultation with their National Commissions for UNESCO, or by International Non-governmental Organizations maintaining formal relations with UNESCO (INGOs).
  • Each government or international NGO is entitled to nominate only two candidates per year.
  • Nominations must be accompanied by a written recommendation. A self-nomination cannot be considered.
  • Note that submissions must be in English or French only.

    Selection process:

  • The selection of prize winners is made by an International Jury appointed by UNESCO’s Director-General, which meets in Paris once a year.

    How to structure the application:

    A complete application should include:

  • The questionnaire duly completed
  • The written recommendation by the Government of a Member State or by an International Non-governmental Organization (INGO) maintaining formal relations with UNESCO
  • Accompanying supportive material

    Note that the submissions should reach the secretariat either electronically or via regular mail.

    Deadline: 30th June

    For more information and application, visit: The UNESCO International Literacy Prizes Website