We have recently been awarded Communications and Humanity 2005 prize by the prestigious Príncipe de Asturias Foundation, in acknowledgement of our international work in communications and humanitarianism. The award will be received at a ceremony in Oviedo, in October.

Recognition of our work
Along with other European Cultural Institutions in Spain, we were awarded the Communications and Humanity 2005 prize by the prestigious Príncipe de Asturias Foundation. Lord Kinnock (Chairman of the British Council) said: 'It is a great honour for the British Council, and our partner Cultural Institutes from other European countries, to receive this award from the prestigious Príncipe de Asturias Foundation. Recognition of the work we have all done in extending and developing the excellent cultural and educational relations which exist between our countries is news I receive with very great pleasure'. Further recognition of our work followed, when Martin Rose, a member of our Connecting Futures initiative, was invited to take part in a debate on improving communication between cultures.

Receiving the award
David Green, our Director General, and Spain director, Chris Hickey, will receive the award on 21 October. They will be in the company of many other luminaries, such as Formula 1 World Champion Fernando Alonso, who has been awarded the Sports prize. Prince Felipe will be presenting the prize and King Juan Carlos will attend the event.

What are the Prince of Asturias Awards?
The Prince of Asturius is seen as major global award, recently acknowledged by UNESCO for its outstanding contribution to mankind’s cultural heritage. Launched in 1981, the Awards are to help acknowledge the scientific, technical, cultural, social and humanitarian work done by persons, teams or organisations at an international level. This is the twenty-fifth year of the Awards.

When and where do the Awards take place?
Eight awards are announced between the Spring and September of each year. The presentation ceremony takes place in October, in Oviedo.

Where can you find out more?
You can find out more about the Awards on the Asturius Foundation's website. You can also view the Spanish version of Foundation's website. For more information on our work in Spain, please visit our Spain website.