UNESCO International Literacy Prizes 2025

📖 About UNESCO International Literacy Prizes

Since 1967, the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes have recognized excellence and innovation in the field of literacy. Over the years, 512 projects and programs by governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals worldwide have been honored. These prestigious prizes aim to support effective literacy practices and promote dynamic literate societies.

Currently, there are two UNESCO International Literacy Prizes:

• UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize (3 awards): Established in 1989 with the support of the Government of the Republic of Korea, this prize emphasizes mother language-based literacy development.
• UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy (3 awards): Established in 2005 with the support of the Government of the People's Republic of China, this prize focuses on functional literacy, leveraging technological environments, and supporting adults in rural areas and out-of-school youth.

🏆 Benefits of UNESCO International Literacy Prizes

• UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize: Each winner receives:

  • A medal
  • A diploma
  • $20,000 USD

• UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy: Each winner receives:

  • A medal
  • A diploma
  • $30,000 USD

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Open to institutions, organizations, and individuals promoting literacy through effective and innovative programs.
• Programs must:
  • Be currently operational.
  • Have a proven record of innovative work in the field of literacy for at least 2 years.
  • Not have been awarded the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes in the past five years.

📝 Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Relevance to the themes: Alignment with the focus areas of the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes and the specific theme for the year.
2. Relevance to individual and societal needs: The program/project must address the needs of individuals and society effectively, with robust design, delivery, and evaluation.
3. Quality of teaching and learning: Includes dimensions such as effectiveness, efficiency, equality, relevance, and pertinence.
4. Impact: Demonstrated positive changes (intended or unintended) to beneficiaries, communities, and broader societies, supported by qualitative and/or quantitative evidence.
5. Innovative features: Introduction of new/original ideas, solutions, methods, or adaptations of traditional approaches that add value and create a concrete impact.
6. Sustainability: Long-term benefits and impacts beyond the lifecycle of the current program/project.

📅 Application Date and Process

The application process consists of two stages:

1. Application Submission:

   • Applicants must fill out and submit an application form through either:
     • A National Commission for UNESCO, or
     • An International Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) maintaining official relations with UNESCO.

2. Nomination:

   • The concerned National Commission or international NGO will review and nominate successful candidates to the Secretariat of the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes.

📌 Key Dates

• Date Published: May 19, 2025
• Application Deadline: June 27, 2025

🌐 Application Portal

For more details and to apply, visit the official UNESCO International Literacy Prizes page.

This is a prestigious opportunity to contribute to global literacy efforts and gain recognition for impactful work in the field. Don't miss the chance to apply!

• UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize: Each prize winner receives a medal, a diploma and US$20,000.
• UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy: Each prize winner receives a medal, a diploma and US$30,000.