Paris - UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay awarded the Jose Marti International Prize to the outstanding Cuban intellectual Roberto Fernandez Retamar, diplomatic sources announced Monday.

The award, proposed by an international jury, was given to Fernandez Retamar, one of the most prestigious voices of Cuban literature, with a deep Marti vocation and conviction, said a diplomatic statement.

'President for four decades of the cultural institution Casa de las Americas, Fernandez Retamar has contributed permanently, from this prestigious center, to the promotion of peace, solidarity, human rights and equality among Latin American and Caribbean nations, values recognized by this Award', said the statement.

The outstanding essayist has a trajectory of excellence in the cultural field, and has dedicated a considerable part of his work to the study, teaching and dissemination of the Apostle Jose Marti's values and ideals.

The decision, according to the jury, recognizes the Cuban intellectual's work 'to advocate for justice, the protection of children, the ethical development of peoples, the recognition of the dignity of each man and woman and the importance of combating racism.

The UNESCO Jose Marti Prize was established by the Executive Board, at Cuba's initiative, in November 1994, which implied recognition of the universality and validity of the Cuban National Hero's ideals.

The award is designed to encourage and reward a particularly meritorious activity which, in accordance with Marti's ideas and spirit, has contributed to the unity and integration of Latin American and Caribbean countries, as well as to the fostering of a culture of peace and the cohesion of countries.

The prize-giving ceremony will be held on the occasion of the Fourth International Conference for World Balance, to be held from January 28 to 31 at the Havana Convention Centre.

The event's scientific agenda includes several issues of special impact on UNESCO's mandate, including intercultural dialogue, peace, access to education and culture for the exercise of human rights, and solidarity and integration in Latin America and the Caribbean.