UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize
Application Process
All applications must be submitted in English or French via the specified application form. The preferred mode of submission is electronically, but if this is not possible postal applications and nominations are also acceptable.
The Director-General of UNESCO officially invites the submission of nominations to the Secretariat of the Prize, by 15 February, from the governments of Member States, in consultation with their National Commissions, as well as from international and regional professional and non-governmental organizations active in the fields of journalism and freedom of expression.
To submit an application, the applicant must fill out the application form available online in English and French and send it by mail or by email to:
UNESCO
Communication and Information Sector
Division of Freedom of Expression and Media Development
Section for Freedom of Expression
7 Place de Fontenoy
75007 Paris
France
Tel: +33 1 45 68 08 91
E-mail: s.coudray(at)unesco.org
Applicants are encouraged to include relevant supporting materials to their nomination such as a high-resolution and copyright free photo portrait of the candidate, as well as all necessary background documents (e.g. résumé, news clippings, Statutes of the organization, etc.).
Nominations are submitted to the Director-General by the governments of Member States, in consultation with their National Commissions, and by international and regional professional and non-governmental organizations active in the field of journalism and freedom of expression. A self-nomination will be considered.
Each nomination is to be accompanied by a written recommendation, which includes, in English or French, inter alia:
When the nomination is found in compliance with the regulations for submissions and the written recommendation is submitted, the application of the nominee is assessed by an independent Jury of experts on several specific criteria.
The Jury deliberates annually by electronic means and the Prize winner is elected by a majority vote. Only one prize winner will be recommended to the Director-General of UNESCO. No appeals can be made against this final decision.
UNESCO will officially announce the name(s) of the winner(s) in a press release and communicate the decision to the previous laureates and other applicants.
The Prize is awarded by the Director-General at an official ceremony that will be held on 2 May, within the framework of the 2018 World Press Freedom Day celebrations. UNESCO presents to the Prize winner a check for the amount of the Prize, together with a diploma and an object symbolizing the award.
The laureate, will give, if possible, a lecture on a subject relevant to the work for which the Prize has been awarded.