The UNESCO International Literacy Prizes are:
• UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize: Supporting literacy in multilingual contexts
• UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy: Supporting literacy in rural areas, rural adults and out-of school youth, particularly women and girls
Every biennium, the United Nations Literacy Decade (UNLD, 2003-2012), focuses on a specific theme:
2003-2004 Literacy and Gender
2005-2006 Literacy and Sustainable Development
2007-2008 Literacy and Health
2009-2010 Literacy and Empowerment
2011-2012 Literacy and Peace
Candidatures should take into account the theme of the UNLD while also considering the specificity of each Prize.
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.
Call for candidatures
Every year, UNESCO invites Member States and International Non-Governmental Organizations* maintaining official relations with the Organization to solicit and submit candidatures to the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes.
Who is eligible?
Institutions, organizations or individuals promoting literacy through effective and innovative programmes or projects.
How to apply?
The candidatures must be submitted to the Director-General of UNESCO either by Member States, in consultation with their National Commissions for UNESCO, or by International Non-Governmental Organizations maintaining official relations with UNESCO. Each nomination must be accompanied by a written recommendation. A self-nomination cannot be considered. Each Government or International NGO is entitled to nominate only two candidates per year.
The files must be in English or French only.
Selection process
The selection of prizewinners 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 on the occasion of International Literacy Day (8 September).
The application process
The application will include:
1. The submission form duly completed.
2. The written recommendation by the Government of a Member State or by an International Non-Governmental Organization maintaining official relations with UNESCO.
3. Accompanying supporting material.
The submissions should reach the UNESCO Secretariat either electronically or via regular mail. Candidates are
encouraged to download the submission form from the UNESCO website, complete it and send it electronically to
the following e-mail: literacyprizes@unesco.org
To download the submission form, go to:
www.unesco.org/en/literacy/literacy-prizes
Alternatively, candidates can refer to the submission form attached to this guide.
The accompanying supporting material should be sent by regular mail to the following address:
Literacy Prizes Secretariat
Section for Literacy and Non-formal Education
Division for Basic Learning and Skills Development
Education Sector
UNESCO
7, place de Fontenoy
75352 PARIS 07 SP, France
Tel: +33 1 45 68 08 65
Fax: +33 1 45 68 56 26/27
E-mail: literacyprizes@unesco.org
DEADLINE FOR RECEPTION OF APPLICATIONS: 20 JUNE 2012
• UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize: Supporting literacy in multilingual contexts
• UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy: Supporting literacy in rural areas, rural adults and out-of school youth, particularly women and girls
Every biennium, the United Nations Literacy Decade (UNLD, 2003-2012), focuses on a specific theme:
2003-2004 Literacy and Gender
2005-2006 Literacy and Sustainable Development
2007-2008 Literacy and Health
2009-2010 Literacy and Empowerment
2011-2012 Literacy and Peace
Candidatures should take into account the theme of the UNLD while also considering the specificity of each Prize.
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.
Call for candidatures
Every year, UNESCO invites Member States and International Non-Governmental Organizations* maintaining official relations with the Organization to solicit and submit candidatures to the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes.
Who is eligible?
Institutions, organizations or individuals promoting literacy through effective and innovative programmes or projects.
How to apply?
The candidatures must be submitted to the Director-General of UNESCO either by Member States, in consultation with their National Commissions for UNESCO, or by International Non-Governmental Organizations maintaining official relations with UNESCO. Each nomination must be accompanied by a written recommendation. A self-nomination cannot be considered. Each Government or International NGO is entitled to nominate only two candidates per year.
The files must be in English or French only.
Selection process
The selection of prizewinners 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 on the occasion of International Literacy Day (8 September).
The application process
The application will include:
1. The submission form duly completed.
2. The written recommendation by the Government of a Member State or by an International Non-Governmental Organization maintaining official relations with UNESCO.
3. Accompanying supporting material.
The submissions should reach the UNESCO Secretariat either electronically or via regular mail. Candidates are
encouraged to download the submission form from the UNESCO website, complete it and send it electronically to
the following e-mail: literacyprizes@unesco.org
To download the submission form, go to:
www.unesco.org/en/literacy/literacy-prizes
Alternatively, candidates can refer to the submission form attached to this guide.
The accompanying supporting material should be sent by regular mail to the following address:
Literacy Prizes Secretariat
Section for Literacy and Non-formal Education
Division for Basic Learning and Skills Development
Education Sector
UNESCO
7, place de Fontenoy
75352 PARIS 07 SP, France
Tel: +33 1 45 68 08 65
Fax: +33 1 45 68 56 26/27
E-mail: literacyprizes@unesco.org
DEADLINE FOR RECEPTION OF APPLICATIONS: 20 JUNE 2012
Moreinfo: www.unesco.org/en/literacy/literacy-prizes/
