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.
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.
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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
THEMATIC AREAS
The Prize builds on three thematic axes of importance in UNESCO’s work with persons with disabilities, including 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.
Location:
FranceBenefits
- 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.
Eligibilities
- Eligible applicants are individuals (applying either individually, or representing a group of people) or organizations (an institution, non-governmental organization or other public or private entity).
- Individuals and organizations applying for the Prize must have been active in the field for a minimum of five years, and have proven results from their efforts and activities.
- Only one application may be submitted by any one individual, or by an organization, considered to include all of its parts.
- All applications must be submitted in the English or French languages and on the application form specified. The preferred mode of submission is electronically, but if this is not possible then postal applications and nominations are also acceptable.
Application Process
- Individual applications should be completed on the individual application form and organizational applications on the organizational form (https://en.unesco.org/prizes/digitalempowerment/nomination-process).
- For organizational applications, or for individuals employed by an organization, the Head of the organization must select and agree in the appropriate place on the application form that only one such application is being submitted on behalf of the organization.
- The applicants are invited to share their story using the survey (https://story4development.org/).
- Completed application forms should be submitted electronically to a relevant Nominating Entity (Section “Application and Nomination Process. Submission of application forms to Nominating Entity”), which will then complete the relevant sections of the forms and submit them to http://en.unesco.org/prizes/digital-empowerment/nomination-process or by email: [email protected].
- If it is not possible to submit applications electronically, they can be submitted to the relevant Nominating Entity by post, providing that in all instances the relevant deadlines are met.
- Potential applicants are encouraged to contact their respective Nominating Entity well in advance of the submission deadline, to discuss the appropriateness of their nomination and so that agencies can have sufficient time to make their selection and complete the forms.
- Should Nominating Entities not have responded to such enquires from applicants two weeks prior to the submission deadline, applicants are invited to contact UNESCO directly ([email protected]) at that point, so that UNESCO can then seek to engage the relevant Nominating Entity.
Looking for fully-funded opportunities, install the Youth Opportunities Android or iOS App here.
Application Deadline: September 2, 2020
Application ClosedOfficial link
