In 1997, the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize was established to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to defending and promoting press freedom, particularly in the face of danger. This prestigious award is unique within the UN System and is named after Guillermo Cano Isaza, a Colombian journalist who was tragically assassinated outside his newspaper El Espectador’s offices in Bogotá, Colombia, on December 17, 1986. The prize is sponsored by several organizations including the Guillermo Cano Isaza Foundation (Colombia), the Helsingin Sanomat Foundation (Finland), the Namibia Media Trust, Democracy & Media Foundation Stichting Democratie & Media (The Netherlands), and the Thomson Reuters Foundation.
UNESCO, with its 194 Member States, plays a vital role in promoting peace and security through collaborative efforts in education, science, culture, communication, and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and a staff of over 2300 individuals. The organization oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves, and Global Geoparks along with networks of Creative Cities that promote inclusive urban development through sustainable economic growth and social inclusion. Additionally, UNESCO supports over 13 thousand associated schools, university chairs, training programs and research institutions worldwide.
The core principle of UNESCO is captured in its constitution from 1945 that states “Since wars begin in the minds of men it is in the minds of men that defenses of peace must be constructed.” For more information about UNESCO’s initiatives visit www.unesco.org
