Dr Sticht, who is currently serving as President of the International Jury for the Award of the Literacy Prizes, was praised by the Director-General for his "wise counsel, deep knowledge, extensive experience and an abiding commitment to the importance of adult literacy." Dr Sticht noted that adult education is often the foundation for the education of children; adult literacy improves children’s health, schools, work productivity and overall investment in the community.

Dr Sticht began his work on adult literacy in 1966 when he developed methods for helping blind students read thorough listening. The four prizes on which the Jury deliberates are the International Reading Association Literacy Award, the Noma Literacy Prize, and the two King Sejong Literacy Prizes.

The Representative of the Jury, Her Excellency Mrs Ghada al-Jaabi, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic, thanked UNESCO for its work in the field of adult literacy and its special emphasis on women’s and girls’ education.