unesco-digital-empowerment-prize-2016

The UNESCO/Emir Jaber al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah Prize for Digital Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (hereafter the Prize) is to recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations in promoting the inclusion; and enhancing the lives of persons with disabilities through the application of digital solutions, resources and technologies.

In line with UNESCO’s strategic objectives and especially the Major Programme Communication and Information, this includes translating human rights and fundamental freedoms into action, with a particular emphasis on removing barriers to enable greater access to information and knowledge, as well as learning and participation in society through the effective application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).

The Prize has also direct thematic linkages to other UNESCO’s Major Programmes.

Theme:

The Prize builds on three thematic axes of importance in UNESCO’s work with persons with disabilities

Formulating policy, advocacy, co-operation and partnerships;

Creating and developing digital solutions, enabling environments and processes, including tools and resources;

Building and strengthening the capacities of people to create, adapt and use digital solutions in a cost efficient and sustainable manner.

The Prize:

The Prize will be offered biennially in 2016/2017, 2018/2019 and 2020/2021. The Prize will be awarded in each biennial edition and will be divided equally to:

An Individual Person; and

An Organization.

These awards are for individuals and organizations and are not for projects or programmes. Successful individuals and organizations will usually have undertaken a series of relevant projects and programmes, developed appropriate tools or resources, and enhanced co-operation and partnerships that will contribute to their achievements, but it is the overall personal or organizational contribution that will be assessed.

The total amount available for the Prize biennially is USD $ 40,000, which will be distributed equally between the individual and the organizational winner.

UNESCO will publicize the Prize winners, and will seek to work with them to enhance and promote their continued activities in the field of the digital empowerment of persons with disabilities.

Prize winners (Laureates) will be selected by the Director-General of UNESCO on the basis of the assessments and recommendations made by a Jury.

All processes relating to the administration of the Prize will adhere to UNESCO’s Statutes for the Prize.

Application Procedure:

The total amount available for the Prize biennially is USD $ 40,000, which will be distributed equally between the individual and the organizational winners. No later than on 15 September 2016, all applicants must complete the application form, either in English or French, available separately for individuals and institutions online, at: http://en.unesco.org/prizes/digital-empowerment

Nominations can be endorsed and proposed by Ministries in charge of relations with UNESCO, National Commissions for UNESCO and Non-governmental organizations having official relations with the Organization.

Contact:

By post:

UNESCO/Emir Jaber al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah Prize for Digital Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
Communication and Information Sector
7, place de Fontenoy
75352 Paris 07 SP
France

By telephone: +33 (0)1 45 68 43 62

Email: [email protected]

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the UNESCO/Emir Jaber al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah Prize for Digital Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

2016/2017 UNESCO/Emir Jaber al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah Prize for Digital Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (USD $ 40,000 Prize)

By post:

By telephone: +33 (0)1 45 68 43 62

Email: [email protected]