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The UNESCO-UNAM Torres Bodet Prize, awarded every two years, acknowledges those who significantly advance society through teaching, art, and research in the social sciences and humanities. This year’s award recognizes the NCCW's outstanding work in protecting children's rights and promoting gender equality. The NCCW's Saleema Initiative, launched in 2008, has played a crucial role in reducing the prevalence of FGM in Sudan by raising awareness, engaging local communities, and promoting education.

The NCCW’s work, particularly through the Saleema Initiative, has been transformative, ensuring that Sudanese girls grow up safe, healthy, and empowered.

Several high-level dignitaries attended the ceremony, showing strong national support for the NCCW's efforts. Among the notable attendees were:

Ahmed Adam Bakhit, Minister of Social Development, who praised the NCCW's vital work and called for further efforts to combat harmful practices such as FGM and child marriage. Ahmed Ali, Minister of Labor and Reform, who voiced support for the council’s mission. Dr. Abdelgadir Abdullah Abu Ali, Director-General of the National Council for Child Welfare, who accepted the award on behalf of the council and emphasized the importance of protecting children’s rights in Sudan.

Their participation underscored the government's commitment to advancing children's welfare and combating harmful traditional practices.

Emma Rodriguez, Minister and Deputy Permanent Delegate Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Permanent Delegation of Mexico to UNESCO, Gabriela Ramos, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences, and Miguel Armando López-Leyva, Coordinator of Humanities at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, each conveyed, via online video messages, their heartfelt congratulations to the National Council for Child Welfare (NCCW) for its remarkable and courageous contributions to defending the rights and welfare of women and girls.

The Torres Bodet Prize, founded in 2014, is named after Jaime Torres Bodet, one of UNESCO’s founding members and a former Director-General of the organization. The prize, which includes a monetary award of $50,000, honors individuals or institutions that make significant contributions to human rights and education.

This year’s award is a joint effort between UNESCO and UNAM (the National Autonomous University of Mexico), reflecting their shared commitment to social justice and cultural preservation. UNAM is renowned for its dedication to advancing education and promoting human rights. Dr. Miguel Armando López-Leyva, Coordinator of Humanities at UNAM, delivered a message during the ceremony, celebrating the NCCW’s achievements and linking them to Torres Bodet’s lifelong mission of promoting global education and human rights.

While the NCCW has made great strides, challenges remain, with over 86% of Sudanese girls still subjected to FGM. The council's work through initiatives like Saleema continues to be vital in changing attitudes and behaviors at the community level. Dr. Bothaina Hussein, a key member of the Saleema Initiative, presented at the ceremony, detailing the legislative measures and community engagement strategies that have been essential in combating FGM and child marriage.

As Sudan moves forward, the National Plan to End Child Marriage (2021-2030) will guide future efforts to protect children's rights, with a focus on education, legal reforms, and continued community engagement. The National Council for Child Welfare, with the continued support of UNESCO and UNAM, will remain at the forefront of these efforts, ensuring that all children, particularly girls, can grow up free from harm and with the opportunity to reach their full potential.

This prestigious prize reinforces the global commitment to human rights and social justice, while recognizing the tremendous impact of local initiatives like the Saleema Initiative. With strong international partnerships and national support, Sudan is poised to continue making strides in protecting its most vulnerable children.