The International Simón Bolívar Prize was conferred to recognise activities of outstanding merit that, in accordance with the ideals of Latin American independence hero Simón Bolívar, "contribute to the freedom, independence and dignity of peoples and to the strengthening of a new international economic, social and cultural order".
The Prize was awarded by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) every second year, on 24 July (the anniversary of Bolívar's birth). In addition to the intrinsic distinction bestowed on recipients, the award came with a sum of money (currently US$25,000), determined and donated by the government of Venezuela.
Prize winners were selected by the unanimous decision a jury of seven "eminent persons" – five representing the regions of the world, one chosen by the Venezuelan authorities, and a representative of the director-general – from a list of candidates submitted by UNESCO member states and associate members. Both individuals and institutions were eligible as candidates.
The last award was given in 2004, having been suspended by UNESCO. It was subject to revisement, but nothing ever came.
Laureates The following persons and organisations have been recognised by the International Simón Bolívar Prize since its founding in 1983:
Year Recipient Country 1983 Juan Carlos I of Spain Nelson Mandela 1985 Contadora Group 1988 Vicariate of Solidarity 1990 Václav Havel Czechoslovakia 1992 Aung San Suu Kyi Julius Nyerere 1996 Muhammad Yunus 1998 Mário Soares Milad Hanna 2000 Samuel Ruiz García Julio Sanguinetti 2004 Nadia Al-Jurdi Nouaihed Casa de las Américas
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