UNESCO 2021 International Literacy Prizes For Excellence and Innovative Concept

Published: 04 Jun 2021 1,064 views

Since 1967, UNESCO International Literacy Prizes have rewarded excellence and innovation in the field of literacy. Over 500 projects and programmes undertaken by governments, non-governmental organizations and individuals around the world have been recognized. 

Through these prestigious Prizes, UNESCO seeks to support effective literacy practices and encourages the promotion of dynamic literate societies.

Applicants will be asked to make submissions related to the 2021 theme “Inclusive distance and digital literacy learning” and take into consideration the specific focuses of the two prizes when applying.

Currently, there are two UNESCO International Literacy Prizes:

• The UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize (3 awards)

Established in 1989, with the support of the Government of the Republic of Korea. It gives special consideration to mother language-based literacy development. 

Each of the three UNESCO King Sejong prizewinners receives a medal, a diploma and US$20.000.

• The UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy (3 awards)

The UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy, established in 2005, with the support of the Government of the People’s Republic of China. It gives special consideration functional literacy, leveraging technological environments, in support of adults in rural areas and out-of-school Youth.

Each of the three UNESCO Confucius prizewinners receives a medal, a diploma and US$30.000.

The winners of UNESCO International Literacy Prizes 2020 were announced by the Director-General of UNESCO on 7 September 2020, following the recommendations of an international jury.

UNESCO International Literacy Prizes

Application Deadline	June 27, 2021
Type	Postgraduate
Sponsor	United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
Gender	Men and Women

Benefits of UNESCO International Literacy Prizes

The Prizes are awarded every year at an official ceremony on the International Literacy Day, 8 September (TBC).

Requirements for UNESCO International Literacy Prizes

1. Institutions, organizations and individuals promoting literacy through effective and innovative projects or programmes.
2. Eligible programmes or projects who have a proven record of innovative work in the field of literacy for at least three years.
3. Programmes/projects that have not been awarded the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes in the past five years.

Selection Process

All the eligible nominated applications submitted to UNESCO will be examined by an International Jury, composed of distinguished experts appointed by UNESCO’s Director-General, which meets in Paris once a year.

Based on its recommendations, the Director-General of UNESCO makes a final decision about the Prizewinners of 2021.

Application Deadline

June 27, 2021

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization on en.unesco.org to apply