UNESCO International Literacy Prize

UNESCO International Literacy Prize Latest News

Recently, UNESCO presented the 2026 International Literacy Prizes during the International Literacy Day global function ceremony held in the state of Chiapas, Mexico.

About UNESCO International Literacy Prize

• It has been awarded since 1967.
• The Prizes aim to promote literacy as a foundation for lifelong learning, equity and sustainable development, especially in light of ongoing global challenges.
• Eligibility: Individuals, non-governmental organisations and government bodies involved in literacy promotion can apply when their programmes demonstrate measurable impact and align with that year’s theme.
  • International Literacy Day 2026 theme was “Literacy for people, the planet, and prosperity”.
• The prizes include six annual awards
  • UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize (3 awards)
    • It has been supported by the Government of the Republic of Korea since 1989, the Prize highlights mother-tongue and multilingual literacy efforts.
    • Each laureate receives a medal, a diploma and US$ 30,000.
  • UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy (3 awards)
    • It has been supported by the Government of the People’s Republic of China since 2005.
    • It recognizes programmes supporting functional literacy in rural areas and among out-of-school youth, particularly through technology.
    • Each laureate receives a medal, a diploma, and US$ 30,000.

Source: UNESCO

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