UNESCO Hamdan Prize 2025 Honoring Teachers Driving Global Education

Photo:WAM

The Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have opened nominations for the 2025–2026 cycle of the UNESCO–Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development. This prestigious prize is awarded every two years to honor teachers and educational initiatives that improve the quality of teaching and help teachers perform better.

The Prize focuses on recognizing innovative teaching practices from around the world that make a real difference in classrooms and schools. It provides a platform for educators to share their ideas, methods, and success stories that can inspire others globally.

Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Hamdan Foundation, said that the Prize has already made a strong mark internationally by highlighting excellent teaching methods. He said that supporting teachers is not just about recognition, but also about encouraging them to develop new teaching strategies and solve educational challenges in their regions.

“Investing in teachers is investing in the future. Teachers are the driving force behind society’s progress,” Dr. Al Suwaidi said.

“This Prize motivates schools and educators to continuously improve teaching methods. Through our collaboration with UNESCO, we aim to build a global network of educators, experts, and institutions working together to enhance education quality and contribute to sustainable development.”

The Hamdan Foundation emphasized that the Prize reflects the UAE’s strong commitment to education and teacher development globally. By supporting teachers, countries can create stronger and more effective education systems that prepare students for the future.

The winners of the Prize are chosen by an independent International Jury made up of five distinguished education experts appointed by UNESCO. The jury ensures representation from different regions of the world, making the selection process fair and globally inclusive.

Educational institutions, research centers, and relevant organizations are invited to submit nominations online for the Prize. The deadline for nominations is 31 October 2025 (midnight, Paris time).

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Three laureates will be selected, each receiving an equal share of the US$300,000 Prize along with an international certificate of recognition. The winners will be honored at an official ceremony on World Teachers’ Day, 5 October 2026, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

Since its creation in 2008, the UNESCO–Hamdan Prize has contributed to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (quality education). Over the years, it has helped educators worldwide exchange knowledge, adopt innovative teaching methods, and improve learning outcomes for students.

The Prize is not only a recognition of individual excellence but also a way to encourage global collaboration in education. Schools and teachers who participate can learn from the experiences of others and implement effective teaching strategies in their own classrooms.

Through this initiative, the Hamdan Foundation and UNESCO are working together to create a world where teachers are supported, celebrated, and empowered, ensuring a brighter future for students everywhere.

This Prize highlights how teacher development can transform education, improve student learning, and promote global progress. It also sends a strong message that investing in teachers is essential for the growth and sustainability of societies.