Call for Applications: UNESCO Amir Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Prize for the Digital Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has announced a call for applications for the UNESCO–Amir Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Prize for the Digital Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
The Prize aims to recognize and honour the outstanding achievements of individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to social inclusion and improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities through the use of digital solutions, resources and technologies.
The Prize aligns with UNESCO’s strategic objectives, particularly its programs in the field of communication and information. It emphasizes removing barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from accessing information, knowledge and education, and from participating in society through the effective use of information and communication technologies (ICTs).
Through this Prize, UNESCO seeks to showcase successful examples of the use of technology to enhance the independence, social participation and equal opportunities of persons with disabilities at the international level.
The Prize specifically supports initiatives and activities that use digital technologies to reduce barriers faced by persons with disabilities and improve their access to information and knowledge. In this regard, the use of assistive technologies, accessible digital tools and innovative solutions that enable persons with disabilities to enjoy greater opportunities for learning, communication, employment and social participation is aligned with the objectives of the Prize.
Awarding the Prize to Two Laureates
Under the Prize’s Statutes, two laureates are selected in each edition, and the Prize money is divided equally between them. The Prize amounts to a total of US$40,000, with each laureate receiving US$20,000. Each laureate will also receive a diploma of honour.
The laureates are selected by the UNESCO Director-General, based on the evaluation and recommendations of a jury. The jury comprises five independent experts with recognized expertise in fields relevant to the objectives of the Prize. Due consideration is also given to equitable geographical representation and gender equality in its composition. The jury meets once every two years.
In accordance with UNESCO’s Statutes, the award ceremony is held in conjunction with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed on 3 December. The names of the laureates are officially announced by UNESCO.
Eligibility Criteria for the Prize
Individuals, institutions, entities and non-governmental organizations working to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities in society are eligible for nomination for the Prize. Nominees must have made significant contributions and demonstrated notable achievements in advancing the objectives of the Prize and using digital technologies to empower persons with disabilities.
Nominated projects and activities must demonstrate how information and communication technologies have helped remove barriers, improve access to information and knowledge, expand learning opportunities, and strengthen the participation of persons with disabilities in society.
Nomination and Submission Procedures
Nominations for the Prize are submitted by the governments of UNESCO Member States, in consultation with their National Commissions for UNESCO, or by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in official partnership with UNESCO. Applicants should contact their country’s National Commission for UNESCO to complete the national nomination and endorsement process.
The nomination dossier must be prepared in English or French and include a description of the nominee’s background and achievements, a summary of the activities undertaken or the outcomes of the project, relevant supporting materials and documentation, and an explanation of the nominee’s contribution to advancing the objectives of the Prize.
Applicants may also include supporting materials, such as publications, photographs, videos and other relevant documentation, to complete their nomination dossiers.
Upon receipt, the nomination dossiers will be reviewed by an independent jury. The two final laureates will be selected by the UNESCO Director-General based on the jury’s evaluation and recommendations.
Nomination Submission Deadline
By the end of December 2026
For information on participating in the Prize and the nomination process, applicants may contact the Social and Human Sciences Group of Iran’s National Commission for UNESCO.
For further information on the eligibility criteria, required documentation and application procedures, please visit the official Prize webpage and the nomination guidelines on UNESCO’s website:
