Paris, May 31 (RHC)-- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Wednesday launched its José Martí International Prize, in the framework of the fourth edition of the Week of Latin America and the Caribbean.

In launching the prize, Anna Maria Majlöf, head of UNESCO's social and human sciences division, highlighted the value of the distinction, created by the Executive Board of UNESCO in 1994 on Cuba's initiative. 

The prize is designed to promote and reward an activity of outstanding merit that, in accordance with the ideals and spirit of the Cuban National Hero, has contributed to the unity and integration of Latin America and the Caribbean and to the preservation of their identity, cultural traditions and historical values. 

The UNESCO official urged participants in this edition of the Week of Latin America and the Caribbean to participate in the IV International Conference "For World Balance", to be held in Havana in January 2019, at which the winner of the José Martí prize will be presented with the high distinction.

UNESCO's Week of Latin America and the Caribbean aims to showcase the cultural heritage of the 33 countries members of the organization’s Latin America and the Caribbean Group. 

This year's fourth edition is dedicated to women, as an expression of UNESCO's outstanding role in the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women.