UNESCO Honors the Excellence of Hangul with the King Sejong Literacy Prize

 

Each year, UNESCO awards the King Sejong Literacy Prize to organizations and institutions that make significant contributions to improving literacy and reducing illiteracy worldwide. Established in 1989, this prestigious prize celebrates the scientific ingenuity and practicality of Hangul, the Korean alphabet, and honors King Sejong, its visionary creator. The award places particular emphasis on literacy programs that utilize native languages.

King Sejong and Global Recognition of Hangul

King Sejong created Hangul as an accessible writing system that anyone could easily learn and use, drastically reducing illiteracy in Korea. UNESCO recognized Hangul’s innovative design and transformative impact by establishing the King Sejong Literacy Prize, spreading its spirit and values globally to inspire literacy efforts.

Hangul is lauded for its intuitive design, as its letters are based on the shapes of the speech organs used to produce corresponding sounds. UNESCO promotes the essence of Hangul as a tool for fostering literacy and education across the globe.

Criteria and Eligibility

The King Sejong Literacy Prize is awarded annually on International Literacy Day, celebrated on September 8. It recognizes organizations or institutions that implement creative and effective literacy programs, especially those that prioritize native language instruction. Winners receive $20,000 in prize money and a certificate, and their work is highlighted as a model for global literacy efforts.

Recent Recipients

In 2024, the prize was awarded to three organizations: the Foundation for Equity and Development in Education (Ghana), the ProEd Foundation (Panama), and the Vienna University College of Teacher Education (Austria). These organizations were recognized for their innovative, native language-based literacy programs that have significantly improved literacy rates in their respective regions.

Hangul: A Global Symbol of Literacy

The UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize underscores Hangul’s role as a global symbol of literacy and educational innovation. The accessibility and equality King Sejong envisioned through Hangul continue to inspire literacy initiatives worldwide, aligning with contemporary educational goals.

By presenting this prestigious award, UNESCO not only honors the legacy of King Sejong but also promotes global efforts to combat illiteracy, showcasing the enduring relevance and brilliance of Hangul.

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