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Call for

UNESCO International Literacy Prizes

Organisation Name:

UNESCO

Grant Amount: US$30,000

Application Deadline:

27 June 2025

About Organisation

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) is a specialized agency of the United Nations working to build peace through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. It strives to promote knowledge sharing, innovation, and inclusive learning environments, with a strong emphasis on literacy as a foundation for sustainable development. UNESCO’s initiatives include supporting educational reforms, preserving cultural heritage, promoting freedom of expression, and encouraging technological advancement to ensure equitable learning opportunities for all. In the field of literacy, UNESCO has played a pivotal role by recognizing, encouraging, and rewarding impactful initiatives across the globe. The UNESCO International Literacy Prizes are one such effort, celebrating the commitment of governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals in promoting literacy and lifelong learning. Since their inception, over 500 outstanding literacy projects have been honored, contributing significantly to the creation of literate societies worldwide. Through these prestigious prizes, UNESCO aims to inspire continued innovation and excellence in literacy programs and policy.

About the Grant

The UNESCO International Literacy Prizes recognize exceptional and innovative projects that contribute to the advancement of literacy worldwide. These prizes not only celebrate the efforts of individuals and organizations but also promote the adoption of effective literacy practices globally. There are two major awards offered under this initiative: The UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize, supported by the Republic of Korea, which emphasizes mother language-based literacy development, and The UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy, supported by the People’s Republic of China, which focuses on functional literacy in technology-driven environments for rural adults and out-of-school youth. Each category includes three awards, acknowledging a total of six outstanding literacy initiatives each year. The winners receive a monetary award, a medal, and a diploma. Projects are judged on their impact, innovation, sustainability, and alignment with global literacy goals. The awards are presented annually on International Literacy Day, celebrated on 8 September. This initiative helps inspire continued progress in literacy while honoring organizations that are transforming lives through education.

Who can Apply?

Applications are open to institutions, organizations, and individuals who are making notable contributions to literacy through effective and creative programmes. To be eligible, the literacy programme must have been actively operating for at least two years and must demonstrate a proven track record of innovation and impact in the field of literacy. Only programmes that have not received the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes in the past five years are eligible for consideration. The prizes are open to governments, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, and community-led initiatives that seek to empower individuals through literacy, with a special focus on marginalized and disadvantaged populations. For the UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize, special emphasis is placed on mother tongue-based literacy efforts. Meanwhile, the UNESCO Confucius Prize prioritizes projects targeting rural adults and youth outside of the formal education system, particularly those using digital or technological tools. Applicants must be officially nominated by Member States or International NGOs maintaining formal relations with UNESCO.

How to Apply?

Interested candidates must be nominated by UNESCO Member States or International NGOs in official relations with UNESCO and must complete the online application form provided by UNESCO.

Application Deadline

The application process for the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes ends on 27 June 2025.

Last Date to Apply
All nominations must be submitted to UNESCO by 27 June 2025 for consideration in this year’s prize cycle.

Grant Amount
Winners of the UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize receive US$20,000 each, while recipients of the UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy are awarded US$30,000 each.

Last Date To Apply
27 June 2025

For more information, please visit the grant website here.