THE UNESCO-MADANJEET SINGH PRIZE FOR THE PROMOTION OF TOLERANCE AND NON-VIOLENCE was created in 1995 to mark the United Nations Year for Tolerance, proclaimed at the initiative of UNESCO, and the 125th anniversary of the birth of the Mahatma Gandhi.

In recognition of a lifelong devotion to communal harmony and peace, the Prize bears the name of its benefacto Madanjeet Singh, who was a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Indian artist, writer and diplomat. Objective

The UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence is aimed at advancing the spirit of tolerance in the arts, culture, education, science and communication.

Who can win the Prize?
The UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence is awarded to persons, institutions or organizations that have distinguished themselves through particularly remarkable initiatives extending over several years to promote the understanding and resolution of international or national problems in a spirit of tolerance and non-violence.

Who can submit Nominations?
Nominations can be presented by governments of Member States, in consultation with their National Commissions, as well as by nongovernmental organizations and foundations maintaining official relations with UNESCO and active in a field covered by the Prize. Former Laureates of the Prize, qualified eminent personalities, as well as any suitable person or civil society organization working for the advancement of a culture of peace, human rights, non-violence and tolerance in the world also may nominate candidates worthy of receiving this outstanding international distinction.

How are nominations submitted?
Nominations for the Prize should be submitted no later than
1 March of the year of the award of the Prize, by filling out the nomination form in either English or French, by post (the original form) and, if possible, by e-mail (advanced copy). Each candidate’s nomination must be established on the  elevant form and must include an explanation of the choice on the basis of the goals and objectives clearly defined in the Statutes of the Prize. A standard form - available in English and French – is prepared by the Secretariat of the Prize, for each biennial award.

Additional materials (publications, video, audio and other teaching materials, etc.) may be attached to the nomination form.

Who designates Laureates?
The prize-winners are chosen by the Director-General of UNESCO, following the proposal of an International Jury composed of three independent experts, of different nationalities and gender, having an internationally recognized reputation in the field of peace, human rights, tolerance and non-violence.
The recommendation of the International Jury is based on its appreciation of the relevant initiatives and contributions, according to the criteria laid down in Article 3 of the Statutes.

How the Prize is awarded?
The Prize is awarded every two years in an even year of UNESCO’s programme cycle. The Prize is awarded during an official ceremony held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on the occasion of International Day for Tolerance, 16 November. The prizewinner is presented with a check for the amount of the Prize and a Diploma. The US $100,000 Prize may be divided equally between two laureates whose actions are considered to be of equal merit.

Eligibility :

The Director-General of UNESCO has nominated Ms Golda El Khoury of the Division of Human Rights, Philosophy and Democracy as secretary of the UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence.

UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence
Social and Human Sciences Sector
UNESCO
1 rue Miollis
75732 Paris Cedex 15
France
Tel: +33 1 45683817/60
Fax: +33 1 45685726
E-mail: tolerance.prize@unesco.org