Submit Entries for 9th Edition Freedom Prize

Deadline: 12-Jan-2027

The Freedom Prize invites young people aged 15 to 25 from France and around the world to nominate an inspiring person or organisation whose work represents an exemplary commitment to freedom. The initiative gives young people an active role in recognising individuals and organisations that promote freedom, peace, human rights, and positive change.

About the Freedom Prize

The Freedom Prize is an educational initiative inspired by the values associated with the D-Day landings in Normandy. The initiative aims to help young people better understand and engage with issues related to: - Freedom - Peace - Human rights - Justice - Human dignity - Global solidarity The prize pays tribute to people and organisations that have fought, and continue to fight, for freedom around the world. It also provides young people with an opportunity to learn about inspiring figures and causes while participating directly in the selection of the person or organisation they believe deserves international recognition. Who Can Participate? The Freedom Prize is open to young people aged 15 to 25 years old.

Young participants can come from:

- France - Other countries around the world The initiative is designed to encourage international youth participation and allow young people from different backgrounds to engage with global issues surrounding freedom and human rights. What Is the Freedom Prize Looking For? Participants are invited to identify a person or organisation whose work demonstrates an exemplary fight for freedom. The nominee may be someone who has made a significant contribution to defending freedom, peace or human rights, or an organisation working to create meaningful change. Young people should consider the nominee’s: - Commitment to freedom - Contribution to human rights - Efforts to promote peace - Courage and determination - Impact on communities or society - Contribution to positive social change How Does the Freedom Prize Work? The Freedom Prize takes place through three main stages during the school year.

Stage 1: Call for Proposals

Young people aged 15 to 25 are invited to nominate a person or organisation whose fight for freedom deserves international recognition. Participants research and identify inspiring individuals or organisations and submit their proposals. This first stage gives young people an opportunity to explore different freedom and human rights movements around the world.

Stage 2: International Youth Jury

An international jury made up of 24 young people from diverse backgrounds meets in Normandy. The jury reviews the proposed nominees and selects three finalists for the Freedom Prize. This stage gives young people a direct role in evaluating different examples of courage, commitment and action for freedom.

Stage 3: Global Youth Vote

Following the selection of the three nominees, a global online vote is organised among young people. Youth participants vote to determine the final laureate of the Freedom Prize. The process therefore places young people at the centre of the prize, from the initial nominations through to the final selection. Why the Freedom Prize Matters The Freedom Prize is more than an award. It is designed as an educational initiative that encourages young people to think critically about freedom, peace and human rights. By researching and nominating people or organisations, participants can discover important social and historical struggles and better understand how individuals and communities contribute to defending fundamental freedoms. The initiative also encourages young people to become active participants in discussions about global challenges and human rights. Connection With Normandy and D-Day The Freedom Prize is inspired by the values associated with the D-Day landings in Normandy. The initiative uses this historical context to encourage reflection on the meaning of freedom and the continuing importance of defending peace and human rights. By connecting history with contemporary struggles for freedom, the prize encourages young people to recognise that the defence of fundamental rights remains relevant today. Organisers of the Freedom Prize The Freedom Prize is organised by the Normandy Region and implemented with the International Institute of Human Rights and Peace. The partnership combines an educational approach with international youth participation and a focus on human rights. What Can Young Participants Gain?

Participation can provide young people with opportunities to

- Learn about global human rights issues - Discover inspiring people and organisations - Develop research and critical-thinking skills - Explore the meaning of freedom and peace - Engage with young people from different backgrounds - Participate in an international youth initiative - Contribute to recognising an international freedom advocate - Develop greater awareness of civic and human rights issues How to Participate

Step 1: Identify an Inspiring Nominee

Choose a person or organisation whose actions demonstrate a strong and meaningful commitment to freedom.

Step 2: Research Their Work

Learn about the nominee’s achievements, challenges, values and impact.

Step 3: Prepare the Proposal

Explain clearly why the selected person or organisation deserves recognition through the Freedom Prize.

Step 4: Submit the Nomination

Submit the proposal during the official call for proposals.

Step 5: Follow the Selection Process

The proposals are reviewed, with an international youth jury selecting three nominees.

Step 6: Participate in the Global Vote

Young people can take part in the international online vote that determines the final laureate. Tips for Choosing a Nominee When selecting a person or organisation, participants should consider: - What freedom-related issue are they addressing? - What actions have they taken? - Who has benefited from their work? - What challenges or risks have they faced? - How has their work contributed to peace or human rights? - What makes th