A new prize has been established by the UN organization UNESCO in Denmark, and the first winner of the prize is Greenlandic.
The award has gone to Sermitsiaq for strengthening the democratic, media-based conversation in Greenland as well as the rest of the Kingdom.
– Sermitsiaq ensures an informed public in crazy times. Their work deserves deep recognition. With few resources, they strengthen our democratic resilience. This is publicism in practice, says Ida Ebbensgaard, chair of the UNESCO prize committee.
Editor-in-chief and director Masaana Egede receives the award on Thursday at an event in Eigtveds Pakhus in Copenhagen.
– It means more than most people think that our efforts are seen and recognized. There are people behind journalism, and it has been a tough time for everyone in society, says Masaana Egede.
Taking democratic responsibility
The jury also notes Sermitsiaq's work for Nutserisoq, an AI-based tool for translations between Greenlandic and Danish.
– Sermitsiaq takes on a great democratic responsibility at a time when truth and trust are under pressure. This is the core of what UNESCO as a UN organization has worked for since its establishment 80 years ago, when the world had to be rebuilt after World War II, says Christine Antorini, head of the Danish UNESCO National Commission.
The Danish Minister of Children and Education, Mattias Tesfaye (S), will also be present at the award ceremony on Thursday.
– A free and responsible press is a cornerstone of our democracy. And absolutely crucial for us to maintain information, cohesion and trust in society. Especially at a time when misinformation is becoming more and more prevalent, the minister emphasizes.
The Danish UNESCO Prize will henceforth be awarded annually with a different focus each year. In addition to the honor, the winner will receive a special experience with the world heritage site of Harald Bluetooth's runestone in Jelling.
UNESCO's purpose as a UN organization is to contribute to peace and security by promoting cooperation between nations in education, science, culture, communication and information.
