Distinguished American professor Douglas Biklen is the winner of a United Nations award recognizing outstanding individuals that promote quality education for persons with intellectual disabilities, the UN Educational, Scientific and Environmental Organization (UNESCO). Mr. Biklen, who is Dean of the School of Education, professor and founding faculty member of the Center on Human Policy, Law and Disability Studies at Syracuse University, will be honored with the UNESCO/Emir Jaber al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah Prize for the positive impact of his work on people with intellectual disabilites. UNESCO stated that “over the past 40 years, [Mr. Biklen’s] work has inspired researchers and given hope to many families of persons with disabilities from around the world.” - work includes several books and films such as Achieving the Complete School (1985), Schooling without Labels (1992), and My Classic Life as an Artist (2004) which have helped influence prevailing perceptions of intellectual disabilities. Established in 2002, the UNESCO/Emir Jaber al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah Prize recognizes the outstanding activities of individuals, groups, organizations or centres that promote quality education for persons with intellectual disabilities. Generously funded by the Government of Kuwait, the Prize is awarded every two years. Twenty three candidatures were proposed by Member States for the Prize. The laureate was selected on the recommendation of an international jury. Twenty-three candidatures were proposed by Member States for the prize, which was established in 2002 and is awarded every two years. Below is Interview with Professor Biklen & Link to UNESCO/Emir Jaber al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah Prize – www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/inclusive-education/prizes/ By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey – Follow @MuhamedSacirbey Facebook = Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX UN Photo - Professor Douglas Biklen