Unesco introduces global award in the name of Bangabandhu

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) has decided to introduce an international award called the Unesco-Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman International Prize in the field of creative economy.

The decision was made unanimously at the 210th autumn session of the Unesco Executive Council, which ended on 11 December.

This is the first time a United Nations agency has introduced an international award in the name of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said in a statement.  

Moreover, this is the first time Unesco has introduced an international award in the name of Bangladesh i.e., any eminent person of Bangladesh.

Momen said culture is a strong element in building peace and harmony, the principles of the 193-member Unesco, that Bangabandhu firmly believed in.

On the occasion of Bangabandhu's birth centenary, we think introducing a Unesco international award would be the most useful way to internationalise Bangabandhu's philosophy of life and spread it across the globe, he said.

Valued at $50,000, the prize will be awarded every two years; for the first time during the 41st General Assembly of Unesco in November 2021.

The United Nations has declared 2021 as the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development. Considering that, Unesco thinks it is a timely introduction of the award.

The creative economic activities of marginalised women, immigrants and expatriates will be prioritised for the award.

Last year, during the 40th General Assembly of Unesco, the celebration of Bangabandhu's birth centenary was included on the UN body's list of centenary programmes.

Unesco introduces international awards with financial support from member states in recognition of their contributions in various fields, including: education, culture, science, and technology.

Under Unesco's jurisdiction, 23 Unesco international awards have so far been introduced in the names of internationally renowned individuals and organisations.