UNESCO to Honour Global Champions of Peace and Humanity at the 2026 Madanjeet Singh Prize Ceremony in Paris

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News UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France - 2nd November 2026

Celebrating 30 Years of Promoting Tolerance, Non-Violence and a Culture of Peace

Celebrating 30 Years of Promoting Tolerance, Non-Violence and a Culture of Peace

Paris, France | 16 November 2026

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) will host the 15th edition of the UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence on 16 November 2026 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, coinciding with the International Day for Tolerance.

This prestigious occasion marks the 30th anniversary of the Prize, established in 1995 and first awarded in 1996 in recognition of the vision and legacy of Madanjeet Singh, whose lifelong commitment to peace, cultural understanding and non-violence continues to inspire communities across the world.

The UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize recognizes exceptional individuals, institutions and organizations whose sustained contributions in science, arts, culture and communication advance tolerance, mutual understanding and non-violence. Endowed with USD 100,000 and awarded every two years, the Prize stands as a powerful international symbol of humanity's shared responsibility to build a more peaceful and inclusive world.

The 2026 ceremony will bring renewed attention to the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, intercultural understanding and collective action in addressing global challenges. It also reaffirms UNESCO's commitment to strengthening the values of peace, dignity and solidarity across nations and generations.

For the Madanjeet Singh Foundation (MSF) and the South Asia Foundation (SAF), this milestone is particularly meaningful. It represents the enduring legacy of Madanjeet Singh and his vision of connecting people and cultures through education, art, dialogue and humanitarian values.

As the international community celebrates three decades of this distinguished initiative, the Prize continues to remind us that tolerance is not merely an ideal but a shared responsibility and an essential foundation for a peaceful future.

Source: UNESCO