The prize is presented to a living person, institution and active public or private bodies that make a significant contribution to defending, disseminating and embodying the values that were the foundations of Henri La Fountain's life and career in support of universal knowledge, international law and democracy.
It is awarded annually to honour living individuals and active public or private bodies or institutions that have made a significant contribution to promoting, seeking, safeguarding or maintaining peace, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations and the Constitution of UNESCO.