On 11th January 2010, the Regional Government of Navarre launched the International ‘Prince of Viana’ - Navarre Prize, encompassing a total of three distinctions awarded by Navarre to recognise the work of people and institutions from any country in three areas: culture, social solidarity and service to dependent people.

The Prince of Viana Prize for Culture, awarded to creative figures in arts, letters and science, was set up by the Government of Navarre in 1990 and since its fourth edition in 1993 it has been presented by HRH, Don Felipe de Borbón, Prince of Asturias and Viana.

The International Navarre Prize for Solidarity was created in 2001 by the Government of Navarre and Caja Laboral to recognise the work of institutions and people working to favour the development of underprivileged collectives and to foster voluntary work in this area.

The International Prize for Service to Dependent People was created this year by the Government of Navarre in collaboration with Caja Navarra and is being presented for the first time, in recognition of significant activities carried out in the support of people who, through age or disability, require special care.

These three prizes are grouped under the umbrella title of Prince of Viana because of the deep historic significance of this royal title in Navarre and the particular significance that these awards are presented by HRH the Prince of Asturias and Viana, as part of a ceremony that also pays tribute to the Monarchs of the former Kingdom of Navarre.

Each prize winner receives €40,000. They are presented through the agreement of the Government of Navarre based on the nominations of a panel of seven judges, all renowned figures in the field corresponding to each prize.

These awards are international in their scope and candidates can be nominated from any country in the world. Nominations must be submitted by academic, civil and governmental institutions that endorse the candidacy.