Prof./ Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chair of the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science, and Culture, emphasized the important role played by the National Commission in implementing national, regional, and international projects and announcing international awards in cooperation with UNESCO, ALECSO, and ICESCO. He noted that these efforts contribute to the realization of Egypt’s Vision 2030, enhance Egypt’s representation in international forums concerned with education, culture, and science, and support cooperation with these organizations in the fields of higher education, scientific research, and innovation, while promoting the exchange of expertise on Arab, African, and international levels.

In this context, the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO, in cooperation with UNESCO, announces the call for applications for the 2025 UNESCO International Literacy Prizes.

Dr. Ayman Farid, Assistant Minister for Strategic Planning and Labor Market Qualification, Head of the Cultural Affairs and Missions Sector, and Supervisor of the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science, and Culture, stated that since 1967, the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes have recognized excellence and innovation in the field of literacy. A total of 512 projects and programs implemented by governments, NGOs, and individuals worldwide have been awarded. Through these prestigious prizes, UNESCO aims to support effective literacy practices and encourage the creation of dynamic learning communities.

He pointed out that the 2025 UNESCO International Literacy Prizes include the following:

1. UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize:
   Established in 1989 and supported by the Republic of Korea, this prize focuses on programs that develop and promote mother-tongue-based literacy education. Each of the three award winners will receive a medal, diploma, and a monetary award of USD 20,000.
2. UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy:
   Established in 2005 and supported by the People’s Republic of China, this prize rewards programs that promote adult literacy, particularly in rural areas and for out-of-school youth, especially girls and women. Each of the three award winners will receive a medal, diploma, and a monetary award of USD 30,000.

Dr. Hala Abdel-Gawad, Assistant Secretary-General of the National Commission for UNESCO Affairs, confirmed that these prizes are open to governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to promoting literacy efforts and in appreciation of their ongoing commitment in this field.
The theme of the 2025 prizes is:
“Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace.”

She also noted that applicants must complete the designated online application form by creating a user account through the following link:
?? https://unes.co/ilp-account

For more information about the prizes and nomination procedures, please visit:
?? https://www-unesco-org.translate.goog/en/prizes/literacy

Applicants must also send a copy of the submitted form, along with an official nomination letter from their affiliated institution, to the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO via the following email addresses:
?? egypt.natcom@gmail.com
?? Egnatcom@egnatcom.org.eg
no later than June 10, 2025, in order for the Commission to review the applications and submit them to UNESCO before June 27, 2025.

Please note that incomplete applications or those submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

It is worth mentioning that Mansoura University won a UNESCO International Literacy Prize in 2024 for its project titled “Literacy at Mansoura University for Sustainability and Quality of Life in Egyptian Villages”.
Additionally, Ain Shams University won the UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy in 2021 for organizing online literacy classes in rural areas of Egypt.