Deadline: March 31, 2026
The Intercultural Achievement Award (IAA) 2026 is now open for applications. This prestigious international award recognises outstanding initiatives and projects that actively promote intercultural and interreligious dialogue across the world. Organised by the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, the award celebrates individuals and organisations working to build bridges between cultures, encourage mutual respect, and foster peaceful coexistence among diverse communities.
The Intercultural Achievement Award (IAA) 2026 highlights innovative efforts that address global challenges through intercultural cooperation and understanding. By supporting impactful initiatives, the award aims to strengthen global dialogue, encourage collaboration across cultures, and recognise projects that contribute to a more inclusive and harmonious society.
Projects from all countries worldwide are encouraged to apply, provided they demonstrate meaningful contributions to intercultural dialogue and cooperation.
About the Intercultural Achievement Award (IAA) 2026
The Intercultural Achievement Award is an international recognition programme that honours innovative projects and initiatives promoting intercultural and interreligious dialogue. The award acknowledges the important role played by civil society, media, cultural institutions, and community organisations in strengthening global understanding and cultural exchange.
Through this award, the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs seeks to:
- Promote dialogue and cooperation between different cultures and religions
- Encourage initiatives that support peaceful coexistence
- Highlight impactful intercultural projects from around the world
- Support organisations and individuals working towards cultural understanding
- Recognise innovative solutions to global intercultural challenges
The award provides a platform for global initiatives that promote respect, diversity, and cross-cultural collaboration.
Prize Value
Winners of the Intercultural Achievement Award (IAA) 2026 will receive financial support and international recognition for their work.
Each category winner will receive:
- €6,000 prize award
There will be one winner selected in each category, making the award both competitive and prestigious. The financial prize is intended to recognise the outstanding contribution of the winning project and support the continuation or expansion of their work.
Award Categories
Applicants must submit their project under one of the official award categories. Each category focuses on different aspects of intercultural dialogue and innovation.
1. Sustainability
This category recognises projects that combine environmental sustainability with intercultural or interreligious dialogue. Initiatives in this category may address ecological challenges while encouraging cooperation and understanding among diverse communities.
Projects may include activities related to environmental education, climate awareness, or sustainable community initiatives that bring together people from different cultural backgrounds.
2. Recent Events
The Recent Events category focuses on projects that respond to current global developments and social challenges. Eligible initiatives must have been implemented between 2023 and 2025 and should demonstrate how intercultural dialogue can help address contemporary issues affecting societies around the world.
Projects that promote solidarity, peacebuilding, or community resilience in response to recent events are particularly encouraged.
3. Technology
The Technology category recognises innovative projects that use digital tools, platforms, or technological solutions to promote intercultural dialogue.
Examples of relevant initiatives include:
- Digital platforms fostering intercultural communication
- Technology-driven educational initiatives
- Online programmes encouraging cultural exchange
- Innovative media or communication tools that promote cultural understanding
This category highlights the important role technology can play in connecting cultures globally.
4. Innovation
This category celebrates projects that introduce creative and innovative approaches to intercultural or interreligious dialogue.
Projects may focus on new methods of engagement, artistic initiatives, community-based activities, or educational programmes designed to foster mutual understanding and cooperation.
The Innovation category aims to recognise forward-thinking initiatives that bring fresh ideas to the field of intercultural engagement.
5. Media
The Media category recognises journalistic work and media initiatives that promote intercultural understanding and highlight cultural diversity.
Eligible submissions may include:
- Journalism and documentary work
- Multimedia storytelling
- Media campaigns promoting intercultural dialogue
- Publications or broadcast programmes encouraging cultural awareness
Media works submitted under this category must have been published after 1 January 2022.
6. Religious Freedom
The Religious Freedom category focuses on initiatives promoting freedom of religion and peaceful coexistence among different faith communities.
Projects in this category may involve:
- Interfaith dialogue programmes
- Community initiatives encouraging religious tolerance
- Educational projects addressing religious diversity
- Activities supporting peaceful relations between religious communities
This category highlights the importance of mutual respect and understanding between different religious traditions.
Key Thematic Areas
Projects applying for the Intercultural Achievement Award (IAA) 2026 should address at least one of the following thematic fields:
- Arts and Culture
- Youth Engagement
- Human Rights
- Global Citizenship Education
- Integration and Social Cohesion
- Gender Equality
Projects may also combine several thematic areas if they contribute to intercultural dialogue and understanding.
Eligibility Criteria
The Intercultural Achievement Award is open to a wide range of applicants from across the globe.
Eligible Applicants
The following entities are eligible to apply:
- Non-profit organisations such as NGOs, associations, and foundations
- Educational institutions and social organisations
- Religious institutions or organisations
- Private-sector organisations
- Individuals from civil society
Applicants must demonstrate that their project actively promotes intercultural or interreligious dialogue.
Ineligible Applicants
The following entities are not eligible to apply:
- Government institutions
- Scientific or research institutions
- International organisations
Applicants should ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements before submitting their application.
Project Requirements
To be considered for the Intercultural Achievement Award (IAA) 2026, projects must meet specific requirements.
Eligible projects must:
- Focus on intercultural or interreligious dialogue
- Demonstrate clear and measurable impact
- Be well-structured and clearly documented
- Already be implemented or currently ongoing
It is important to note that concept ideas or planned projects that have not yet started are not eligible for this award.
Applicants should provide sufficient details explaining the project’s objectives, activities, outcomes, and impact.
Selection Process
All applications will be reviewed by an independent international jury based in Vienna.
The evaluation process will consider:
- The impact of the project
- Innovation and creativity
- Relevance to intercultural dialogue
- Sustainability and long-term benefits
- Overall quality and effectiveness of the initiative
Following the evaluation process, the jury will select the winning projects in each category.
Award Ceremony
Winners of the Intercultural Achievement Award (IAA) 2026 will be invited to participate in an official award ceremony in Vienna, Austria, scheduled for autumn 2026.
The ceremony provides an opportunity for award recipients to showcase their work, connect with international partners, and gain global recognition for their contributions to intercultural dialogue.
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted before the official deadline:
31 March 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well in advance to ensure all documentation is complete and properly prepared.
Application Process
Applicants must follow the official application process to be considered for the award.
Step 1: Complete the Application Form
Applicants must fill out the official application form with detailed information about their project, including objectives, activities, and measurable impact.
Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents
Supporting materials may include:
- Project descriptions
- Evidence of impact
- Media coverage or publications
- Additional documentation supporting the initiative
Step 3: Submit the Application
Applications must be submitted via email in English or German.
Why Apply for the Intercultural Achievement Award (IAA) 2026?
The Intercultural Achievement Award (IAA) 2026 offers a unique opportunity for organisations and individuals to gain international recognition for their contributions to intercultural understanding.
Key benefits include:
- International recognition for impactful work
- Financial support through the €6,000 prize
- Increased visibility for the project globally
- Networking opportunities with international organisations and cultural institutions
- Participation in a prestigious award ceremony in Vienna
For organisations and individuals working in the field of intercultural dialogue, this award represents an important opportunity to showcase impactful initiatives and inspire further collaboration.
Final Thoughts
Promoting intercultural understanding is increasingly important in a world characterised by diversity and global interconnection. The Intercultural Achievement Award (IAA) 2026 highlights the importance of initiatives that foster dialogue, encourage cooperation, and strengthen relationships between cultures and religions.
By recognising innovative projects from around the world, the award contributes to building more inclusive societies and promoting peaceful coexistence across cultural and religious boundaries.
Organisations, institutions, and individuals working on impactful initiatives are strongly encouraged to apply and share their work on this international platform.
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