Published: 05 Jun 2023 715 views
UNESCO has opened its call for applications for the 2023 edition of the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes. It encourages all experts in literacy education to submit their applications and urge nominating organizations to recommend candidates from various parts of the globe.
As in the previous editions, six awards will be granted to individuals or organizations for their outstanding projects that promote literacy learning. For this year, the programmes are requested to reflect around the theme “Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for peaceful and sustainable societies”.
The theme emphasizes how literacy plays a crucial role in empowering individuals and communities to adapt and establish peaceful and sustainable societies, especially during times of change and social, economic, and environmental challenges.
The UNESCO International Literacy Prizes have been acknowledging excellence and innovation in the field of literacy for more than 50 years. To date, over 512 projects and programmes across the globe have been recognized and supported for their exceptional contributions in this area.
UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences and Culture. UNESCO's programmes contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in Agenda 2030, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015. Political and economic arrangements of governments are not enough to secure the lasting and sincere support of the peoples. Peace must be founded upon dialogue and mutual understanding. Peace must be built upon the intellectual and moral solidarity of humanity. I... continue reading
Application Deadline | 28 Jun 2023 |
Country to study | |
Type | Contest |
Sponsor | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) |
Gender | Men and Women |
Approximately 763 million young people and adults, two-third of them being women, lack basic literacy skills worldwide. 267 million young people are not in employment, education or training. The pandemic further exacerbated the issue, as prior to COVID-19, there were already at least 617 million who had not attained minimum reading levels. To close the literacy gap and promote possibilities for future learning and social participation, UNESCO awards six laureates with two highly esteemed literacy prizes on annual basis:
Each award winner receives a medal, a diploma and US$20,000.
This Prize gives special consideration to programmes that promote mother language-based literacy development which helps preserve linguistic diversity and empower individuals and communities to participate more fully in global conversations, work, and cultures.
Each of the 3 winners receives a medal, a diploma and US$30,000.
The UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy acknowledges programmes that endorse various forms of literacy, including functional literacy, leveraging technological environments, in support of adults in rural areas and out-of-school youth. This Prize recognizes the importance of literacy in a world where connected technologies are increasingly integral to participation in areas of life, learning, and work.
The application is open to all governments, non-governmental organizations and individuals who contribute to the promotion and advancement of literacy learning through projects and programmes.
The nominations will be assessed by an independent International Jury, composed of five experts based on the selection criteria.
Based on the recommendations of the International Jury, the Director-General of UNESCO will select the finalists to be awarded at the occasion of International Literacy Day on 8 September 2023.
Deadline for candidates to submit applications to nominating entities: 28 June 2023 (midnight, Paris time).
Deadline for nominating entities to submit their nominations to UNESCO: 12 July 2023 (midnight, Paris time).
Candidates can submit their applications through the online platform.
Applications should be submitted to the nominating entities either the National Commission for UNESCO in the programme’s country, or a NGO in official partnership with UNESCO, who are encouraged to submit the nominated individuals, institutions, and organizations to UNESCO.
For more details visit: UNESCO website.