Call for Applications for the 2026 UNESCO International Literacy Prizes Announced
| Since 1967, UNESCO has annually presented the International Literacy Prizes to recognize outstanding achievements in the field of literacy. |
The prizes comprise the King Sejong Literacy Prize and the UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy, with three awards under each prize. Each year, the prizes focus on a specific theme. For 2026, the theme is “Literacy for People, Planet and Prosperity.”
The main areas of focus for the two prizes are as follows:
- King Sejong Literacy Prize: The development and use of mother languages in learning and education.
- UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy: Adult literacy in rural areas and literacy for out-of-school youth, particularly women and girls.
Eligible projects must promote literacy, demonstrate at least two years of innovative work in the field of literacy, and have not received a UNESCO International Literacy Prize in the past five years.
To participate in the program, candidates must create an account through the online application portal and complete the application form.
The prize information brochure is available on the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes webpage.
Eligible applicants may submit their online application forms to the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO no later than 18 May 2026.
After completing and submitting the application documents, applicants are requested to send a copy to irunesco@gmail.com. For confirmation of receipt, they may contact the Commission at +98 21 22261396.
