Application Deadline: September 2nd 2020
Worldwide there are more than one billion persons with disabilities. Their existence is impeded by inadequate legal frameworks to protect their rights and a lack of financial and human resources to carry out their activities related to basic needs. Moreover, they also have a lack of opportunities to access information and knowledge, as well as the benefits of scientific and technological development.
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.
The Prize
The Prize will be offered biennially in 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.
Thematic axes
The Prize builds on three thematic axes of importance in UNESCO’s work with persons with disabilities, including an immediate response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
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.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the UNESCO/Emir Jaber Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Prize 2020