Call for nominations: UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize 2026

UNESCO Member States may nominate candidates in consultation with their National Commissions. In addition, international and regional professional non-governmental organizations working in the field of journalism and press freedom may submit up to three candidates for the Prize.

This prestigious annual award recognizes a person, organization or institution that has made an outstanding contribution to the defense and/or promotion of press freedom anywhere in the world, particularly in situations involving significant risk.

Established in 1997, the Prize honours the memory of Guillermo Cano, a Colombian journalist who was killed in the line of duty for his commitment to press freedom.

The award ceremony takes place each year on World Press Freedom Day (3 May). The laureate receives a monetary prize of US$ 25,000.

The UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize is widely regarded as one of the most visible global tributes to the courage and integrity of journalists. It has had a profound impact on past recipients, enhancing both their personal security and international recognition.

Previous laureates include:

• Palestinian journalists covering the Gaza conflict;
• La Prensa de Nicaragua, highlighting the plight of exile journalists;
• Maria Ressa, 2021 Nobel Prize;
• Niloofar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi, released on bail from prison after having spent 17months in jail;
• Narges Mohammedi, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize while still in prison in 2023;
• Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ).

The Prize is supported by the Guillermo Cano Isaza Foundation (Colombia), the Namibia Media Trust (Namibia), The Thomson Reuters Foundation (United Kingdom) and the Democracy & Media Foundation - Stichting Democratie & Media (The Netherlands).