UNESCO International Literacy Prizes 2026 for Innovation in Literacy. – Opportunities For Africans

Application Deadline: 8 May 2026 (midnight, GMT +2)

Applications are actually open for the 2026 UNESCO International Literacy Prizes. Since 1967, UNESCO International Literacy Prizes have rewarded excellence and innovation in the sphere of literacy. More than 500 tasks and programmes undertaken by governments, non-governmental organizations and people around the globe have been acknowledged. Through these prestigious Prizes, UNESCO seeks to assist efficient literacy practices and encourages the promotion of dynamic literate societies.

 Literacy educators, organizations, and governments from around the globe are invited to submit excellent programmes which have made a significant contribution to literacy as a driver of human empowerment and sustainable growth.

This yr’s theme « Literacy for individuals, the planet and prosperity » displays a important second because the worldwide neighborhood takes inventory of progress towards the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and begins shaping a post-2030 international agenda. On the event of the sixtieth anniversary of International Literacy Day, the Prizes will acknowledge programmes which have superior literacy throughout social, financial and environmental dimensions.

Currently there are two UNESCO International Literacy Prizes:

• The UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize (3 awards)

Established in 1989, with the assist of the Government of the Republic of Korea, it offers particular consideration to mom language-based literacy growth.
Each prizewinner receives a medal, a diploma and US$30.000.
– Read the statutes.

• The UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy (3 awards)

Established in 2005, with the assist of the Government of the People’s Republic of China, it offers particular consideration to purposeful literacy, leveraging technological environments, in assist of adults in rural areas and out-of-school youth.
Each prizewinner receives a medal, a diploma and US$30.000.
 – Read the statutes.

The Prizes are awarded based mostly on the suggestions of an International jury appointed by the Director-General for a most of six  years. 

Requirements

• Applications are open to people, non-governmental organizations and authorities our bodies engaged in literacy promotion.
• Programmes should exhibit measurable affect and align with the 2026 theme “Literacy for people, the planet, and prosperity”.

How to Apply

• Interested candidates ought to submit their purposes by way of the net platform and search endorsement from an eligible nominating entity — both a National Commission for UNESCO or an NGO in official partnership with UNESCO.
• Nominating entities will overview purposes and ahead the strongest candidates to UNESCO. Submissions will probably be evaluated by an impartial International Jury composed of 5 consultants, utilizing established choice standards.

Timeline:

• 18 May 2026 (midnight, GMT +2): Deadline for candidates to submit purposes to nominating entities.
• 1 June 2026 (midnight, GMT +2): Deadline for nominating entities to submit nominations to UNESCO.

Awardees will probably be introduced in the course of the celebration of International Literacy Day on 8 September 2026.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes