#Prize

UNESCO Emir Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Prize for Digital Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

? Open for applications

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 rewards individuals and organisations who have made a significant contribution to the inclusion of people with disabilities in society through digital solutions, resources and technologies.

Winners are assessed on their overall contribution and the prize is shared between one individual and one organisation (not specific programmes or projects) every two years. Successful applicants 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.

UNESCO will publicize the prize winners and work with them to enhance and promote their continued activities in the field.

Originally established in 2002 the Prize was reviewed in 2015 and the focus broadened to include digital technologies. Previous winners include Vashkar Bhattacharjee, Bangladesh, a leading disabilities advocate who developed Bangladesh’s first Accessible Dictionary and created a network of partners dedicated to producing resources for learners with disabilities and training teachers in how to use accessible reading materials.

Tencent, China, an internet-based technologies and cultural enterprise, was recognized for its outstanding contribution to the empowerment of people with disabilities by using inclusive digital technologies to provide greatly enhanced access to information.

?️ KEY INFO

Make sure you read the important information below before you apply for this prize. You must apply through the UK National Commission for UNESCO. Expressions of interest are welcome.

STATUS

#Open for applications

UKNC DEADLINE

15 August 2020

UNESCO DEADLINE

15 September 2020

WHO CAN APPLY

Individuals, organisations

ORIGIN

Supported by the Government of the State of Kuwait

ESTABLISHED

2002

RENEWAL DATE

2022

AWARD

2 winners awarded US$20,000 each

ROTATION

Every 2 years

NEXT CALL DUE

2022

💌 Apply Today

#Quote

‘I have been fortunate to have access to cutting edge technology, which has allowed me to continue with my work and communicate my theories, thoughts and ideas, even after my illness robbed me of my natural speaking voice. Without this technology I would be mute, a prisoner inside my own mind. I would not even be able to ask for a cup of tea, let alone describe my no boundary theory of how the universe began…’

Professor Stephen Hawking (UK)

Quote

Read more about the Prize on UNESCO’s main site. Meet the Jury and past winners.

Meet the Jury
2019
??‍⚖️ #TheJury

Meet Mr Fernando Botelho, Ms May Chidiac, Professor Klaus Miesenberger, Mr Martin Babu Mwesigwa, Ms Saima Wazed Hossain, the 2019 members of the jury.

Tencent, Winner of the 2018 Edition
CHINA
? #Laureate

In the organisational category, an Internet-based technologies and cultural enterprise, is recognised for its outstanding contribution to the empowerment of persons with disabilities by using inclusive digital technologies to provide greatly enhanced access to information.

Vashkar Bhattacharjee, Winner of the 2018 Edition
BANGLADESH
? #Laureate

In the individual category, a leading advocate who collaborates with local, national and international partners on the production of resources dedicated to learners with disabilities, and to the training of teachers in the use of accessible reading materials.