UNESCO Peace Prize (Félix Houphouët-Boigny UNESCO Peace Prize)
By Home Academy – Current Affairs for Competitive Exams
The UNESCO Peace Prize, officially known as the Félix Houphouët‑Boigny UNESCO Peace Prize, is one of the most prestigious international honours awarded for promoting peace, dialogue, and human dignity across the world. The prize reflects the vision of UNESCO that lasting peace must be built through education, cultural cooperation, and mutual understanding among nations.
The award was established in 1989 by the UNESCO to recognize individuals, institutions, or organizations that have made exceptional contributions toward maintaining peace and resolving conflicts internationally. The prize is named after Félix Houphouët‑Boigny, who served as the first President of Côte d’Ivoire and was widely respected for his efforts in promoting peace and cooperation among nations.
The UNESCO Peace Prize honours those who work to strengthen international harmony, protect human rights, encourage tolerance, and promote dialogue between cultures and civilizations. The selection of laureates is carried out by an international jury, and the final decision is approved by the Director-General of UNESCO. The award may be given to a single recipient or shared among multiple winners whose contributions have significantly advanced global peace initiatives.
The prize carries an international reputation and includes a monetary award along with global recognition. Over the years, many prominent world leaders and peace advocates have received this honour. Among the most notable laureates are Nelson Mandela, F. W. de Klerk, Jimmy Carter, and Angela Merkel, all of whom were recognized for their contributions toward peacebuilding, diplomacy, and humanitarian leadership.
The objectives of the UNESCO Peace Prize are closely connected with the broader mission of UNESCO, which emphasizes peace education, intercultural dialogue, non-violence, and cooperation among societies. The award highlights the belief that sustainable peace cannot be achieved only through political agreements but must also be supported by education, culture, and social justice.
In contemporary international relations, the UNESCO Peace Prize serves as a symbol of moral leadership and encourages nations and individuals to pursue peaceful solutions to global challenges. The recognition motivates governments, civil society organizations, and global citizens to work collectively toward a more tolerant and harmonious world order.
MCQs for Competitive Exams
1. The UNESCO Peace Prize is officially known as:
A. Global Peace Award
B. Félix Houphouët-Boigny UNESCO Peace Prize
C. International Harmony Prize
D. World Peace Medal
Answer: B
2. The UNESCO Peace Prize was established in which year?
A. 1985
B. 1987
C. 1989
D. 1992
Answer: C
3. The UNESCO Peace Prize is awarded for contributions toward:
A. Sports development
B. Economic reforms
C. Promotion of peace and dialogue
D. Scientific innovation
Answer: C
4. UNESCO stands for:
A. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
B. Universal Scientific Council Organization
C. United Nations Social Cooperation Office
D. United Education Security Council Organization
Answer: A
5. The prize is named after which leader?
A. Nelson Mandela
B. Félix Houphouët-Boigny
C. Jimmy Carter
D. Kofi Annan
Answer: B
6. Which of the following is a UNESCO Peace Prize laureate?
A. Angela Merkel
B. Roger Federer
C. Elon Musk
D. Bill Gates
Answer: A
7. UNESCO Peace Prize promotes mainly:
A. Military cooperation
B. Cultural dialogue and peace
C. Trade agreements
D. Industrial growth
Answer: B
| Year | Winner | Country/Organization | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | António Costa | Portugal | Promoting multilateralism, peace diplomacy, and support for developing nations |
| 2022 | Angela Merkel | Germany | Humanitarian leadership and refugee protection policies |
| 2019 | Abiy Ahmed | Ethiopia | Peace agreement and reconciliation efforts in the Horn of Africa |
| 2017 | Giuseppina Nicolini & SOS Méditerranée | Italy / NGO | Support and rescue of migrants in the Mediterranean region |
| 2015 | François Hollande | France | International cooperation and peace initiatives |
| 2012 | François Hollande (Special recognition period context varies) | France | Democratic leadership and dialogue promotion |