Mr Meshaal this year strongly supported Mr Abbas's move in upgrading Palestinian status at the United Nations to that of a non-member "observer state".
Candidatures must be presented by the government of a Member State of UNESCO or an international non-governmental organisation, maintaining formal consultative relations with UNESCO and active in the relevant fields covered by the prize.
For both prizes, up to three entrants may be nominated by the governments of their Member State, in consultation with their National Commission, or by a non-governmental organisation maintaining official partnership with UNESCO.