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UNESCO Presents 2026 International Literacy Prizes
UNESCO presents the 2026 International Literacy Prizes during the International Literacy Day global function ceremony in Chiapas, Mexico. The event highlights the 2026 International Literacy Day theme and recognises laureates under UNESCO’s annual literacy awards.
UNESCO International Literacy Prizes:
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Year of institution | The UNESCO International Literacy Prize has been awarded since 1967. |
| Stated objective | The prizes promote literacy as a foundation for lifelong learning, equity, and sustainable development, especially in light of ongoing global challenges. |
| Eligibility | Individuals, non-governmental organisations, and government bodies involved in literacy promotion can apply when their programmes demonstrate measurable impact and align with that year’s theme. |
| International Literacy Day 2026 theme | The International Literacy Day 2026 theme is “Literacy for people, the planet, and prosperity”. |
| Awards under the prizes | The prizes comprise 6 annual awards: UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize (3 awards) and UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy (3 awards). |
| UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize | It has been supported by the Government of the Republic of Korea since 1989, and highlights mother-tongue and multilingual literacy efforts. |
| UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize: laureate benefits | Each laureate receives a medal, a diploma, and US$ 30,000. |
| UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy | It has been supported by the Government of the People’s Republic of China since 2005, and recognizes programmes supporting functional literacy in rural areas and among out-of-school youth, particularly through technology. |
| UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy: laureate benefits | Each laureate receives a medal, a diploma, and US$ 30,000. |