The UNESCO International Literacy Prizes stand as one of the world’s most powerful and inspiring global recognitions for individuals, organizations, and institutions advancing the cause of literacy. First established in 1967, these prizes celebrate bold, transformational, and life-changing initiatives that make reading, writing, and education accessible to millions of people who would otherwise be left behind. Every year, through this exclusive opportunity of a lifetime, UNESCO honors up to six outstanding projects that demonstrate innovation, inclusion, and measurable impact in literacy promotion.
This is a time-sensitive and urgent call: the application portal is now open and will close soon. If you have pioneered a literacy project that is breaking barriers, uncovering hidden potential, and transforming communities, then this is your final hours to act fast and gain global recognition. Past laureates have ranged from grassroots NGOs and local learning centers to major governmental initiatives and pioneering tech-driven solutions. What makes this prize unbeatable and unique is its ability to elevate local projects to an international stage, offering winners not just funding, but also global visibility, credibility, and influence.
The UNESCO International Literacy Prizes are more than awards—they are a movement, recognizing those who dare to dream of a world without illiteracy. Each winner receives not only a monetary prize but also an official certificate of recognition, presented in a prestigious global ceremony on International Literacy Day, September 8. Winners join a historic and record-breaking network of literacy champions whose work has shaped policies, inspired replication, and transformed lives across continents.
If you are an individual, NGO, government agency, or educational institution, this is your chance to secure your spot among the world’s leading literacy pioneers. But remember, the deadline is fast approaching, and applications must be submitted online through the UNESCO official portal.
Name of Organizer
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Requirement/Eligibility
1. Applicants must be individuals, organizations, NGOs, or governmental institutions actively engaged in literacy promotion.
3. The initiative must reflect innovation—introducing new methods, technologies, or approaches that make literacy more accessible.
4. Projects must show sustainability and replicability, meaning the model can be continued and adapted to other contexts.
5. Both ongoing and completed initiatives are eligible, provided they have been in operation long enough to show concrete results.
6. Applicants must submit a detailed application form through the official UNESCO platform before the closing deadline.
7. Each submission must be accompanied by a nomination from the National Commission for UNESCO or a recognized NGO in official partnership with UNESCO.
8. Projects should demonstrate inclusivity, addressing the needs of marginalized, disadvantaged, or vulnerable groups.
9. Applications may be submitted in English or French, the two official working languages of UNESCO.
10. Only one application per project per year is accepted, ensuring fair evaluation and focus on the strongest initiatives.
Prize
Every year, UNESCO awards a total of six prizes across two categories:
UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize (funded by the Republic of Korea) – awarded to three programs with a strong focus on mother-language-based literacy development. Each laureate receives US$20,000.
UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy (funded by the People’s Republic of China) – awarded to three initiatives showing excellence in literacy for rural adults and out-of-school youth, particularly women and girls. Each laureate receives US$30,000.
In addition to the financial reward, all winners receive a prestigious UNESCO medal and certificate, along with global recognition at the International Literacy Day ceremony. This recognition often leads to further funding opportunities, partnerships, and invitations to international forums, making it a game-changer for organizations and individuals alike.
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