Deadline: May 18, 2026
Applications are open for the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes 2026. The Prizes aim to promote literacy as a foundation for lifelong learning, equity and sustainable development, especially in light of ongoing global challenges. Despite progress, over 739 million youth and adults still lack basic literacy skills, and millions of children remain out of school or struggle with reading and numeracy.
The prizes include six annual awards:
- UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize (3 awards): Supported by the Government of the Republic of Korea since 1989, the Prize highlights mother-tongue and multilingual literacy efforts.
- UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy (3 awards): Supported by the Government of the People’s Republic of China since 2005, the Prize recognizes programmes supporting functional literacy in rural areas and among out-of-school youth, particularly through technology.
- Each laureate receives a medal, a diploma and US$30,000.
Eligibility
- Open to individuals, non-governmental organizations and government bodies engaged in literacy promotion.
- Programmes must demonstrate measurable impact and align with the 2026 theme “Literacy for people, the planet, and prosperity”.
Application
- 18 May 2026 (midnight, GMT +2): Deadline for candidates to submit applications to nominating entities.
- 1 June 2026 (midnight, GMT +2): Deadline for nominating entities to submit nominations to UNESCO.
Awardees will be announced during the celebration of International Literacy Day on 8 September 2026.
For more information, visit UNESCO International Literacy Prizes.
