UNESCO is inviting applications for the 2005 International Literacy Prizes, awarded in recognition of the services of institutions, organisations or individuals that have made outstanding contributions to the development of literacy and basic education. The theme for this year is ‘Literacy and Sustainable Development’. Bearing in mind the valuable roles women play in the creation of sustainable development and the disproportionately high number of illiterate women, governments and NGOs are requested to submit nominations on the theme of fostering sustainable development while at the same time building gender parity in literacy and basic education.