UNESCO International Literacy Prizes 2025: Now Accepting Applications

Since 1967, the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes have honored excellence and innovation in world literacy efforts. To date, 512 literacy initiatives and packages led by governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and people have been acknowledged for his or her affect. These prestigious awards promote efficient literacy practices and help the event of literate and inclusive societies.

Overview of the UNESCO Literacy Prizes

UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize

Established: 1989
Supported by: Government of the Republic of Korea

Focus: Mother language-based literacy improvement
Number of Awards: 3
Prize Includes: Medal, diploma, and US$20,000

Read the statutes

UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy

Established: 2005
Supported by: Government of the People’s Republic of China

Focus: Functional literacy and use of expertise, particularly for adults in rural areas and out-of-school youth
Number of Awards: 3
Prize Includes: Medal, diploma, and US$30,000

Read the statutes

Call for Applications: 2025 Theme

The 2025 name for purposes is now open. The deadline for submissions is 27 June 2025 (midnight, Paris time).

Theme: Promoting literacy in a digital period

Submissions ought to reveal relevance to the theme and align with the precise focus of both the King Sejong or Confucius Prize.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible candidates embody:

Institutions, organizations, and people with established literacy packages.

Programs which were operational for at the least two years.
Programs that haven’t obtained a UNESCO Literacy Prize prior to now 5 years.

Note: The prizes should not supposed for early-stage initiatives, educational analysis, or as common funding mechanisms.

How to Apply and Get Nominated

Application Process

Applications should be submitted on-line and undergo considered one of two official channels:

1. Via National Commissions for UNESCO (Government Route)

Request entry to the application kind here.
Complete the shape in English or French.

Submit the application to the related National Commission by 13 June 2025.
Attach any supporting supplies (max 100 pages).

2. Via International Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO Route)

Identify and speak to a UNESCO-partnered worldwide NGO within the literacy area.

Obtain a written nomination letter from the NGO.
Submit the whole application, supporting paperwork, and the nomination letter by 27 June 2025.

Important: Self-nominations should not accepted. Applications with no formal advice from an official UNESCO channel won’t be thought of.

Nomination Process

For National Commissions and NGOs

Review submitted purposes and nominate as much as three candidates per prize.
Complete the nomination kind by including:
- Background and achievements of the nominee.
- Summary of program outcomes and supporting paperwork.
- Evaluation of the nominee’s contribution to the targets of the prize.
Submit last nominations through the net platform by 27 June 2025.

NGOs should ship nomination letters on to candidates earlier than the deadline to allow them to be included within the submission.

Selection and Award Timeline

Phase	Activity
May	Call for purposes launched
13 June	Deadline for submissions to National Commissions
27 June	Final nomination deadline
July	International jury convenes in Paris
August	Announcement of prize winners
September	Awards offered on International Literacy Day (8 September)*

*Date topic to affirmation.

Selection Criteria

Applications will probably be evaluated based mostly on:

Relevance to the annual theme and societal wants
Innovation in design or supply
Measurable affect on literacy outcomes

Quality of instructing and studying
Program sustainability
Clarity and accessibility of presentation

For steering, candidates might contact the Secretariat to ahead inquiries to jury members.

Email: literacyprizes@unesco.org
Subject line: Get Jury members’ recommendation

Additional Resources

For more information click HERE

Contact Information

UNESCO International Literacy Prizes Secretariat
Section of Youth, Literacy and Skills Development
Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems
Education Sector, UNESCO
7 Place de Fontenoy, 75352 Paris 07 SP, France

Email: literacyprizes@unesco.org
Phone: +33 1 45 68 08 59 or +33 1 45 68 11 40
Fax: +33 1 45 68 56 27

Conclusion

UNESCO encourages all eligible literacy champions to apply for the 2025 International Literacy Prizes. These awards acknowledge probably the most impactful and revolutionary literacy efforts from world wide and supply a world platform to advertise and develop finest practices in schooling.

Submit your application or nomination earlier than 27 June 2025.

For extra alternatives, keep on opportunitiesforyouth.org