The Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), has opened nominations for the new cycle (2025 – 2026) of the Hamdan-UNESCO Prize for Teacher Performance Improvement. This award, presented biannually, honors exemplary global practices that enhance the quality of education and teacher effectiveness.
Purpose
Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, the Executive Director of the Foundation, stated that the award continues to recognize exceptional teachers from various regions around the world. It has harnessed its accumulated achievements from past cycles to create a global platform for sharing successful educational practices and fostering innovation in teaching. He emphasized that investing in teachers is investing in the future, as they drive community development.
He added: “Previous cycles have demonstrated that this award not only celebrates outstanding individuals but also inspires educational institutions and teachers to continuously improve their teaching methods and to devise innovative solutions to global educational challenges. Through our partnership with UNESCO, we aspire to build a growing international network of experts, educators, and institutions that contribute to enhancing educational standards and strengthen its role in achieving sustainable development. The Hamdan Foundation is dedicated to continuing efforts to elevate the status of teachers and equip them with the resources and skills necessary to fulfill their mission effectively, positively impacting future generations.”
Selection of Winners
The winners will be selected by an independent international jury composed of five distinguished education experts, appointed by the Director-General of UNESCO, ensuring representation from different global regions.
The Hamdan Foundation and UNESCO invite educational, research, governmental, and non-governmental organizations to submit their nominations via the award’s online platform, before the deadline of October 31, 2025 (midnight Paris time).
The three winners will be honored in an official ceremony coinciding with World Teacher’s Day on October 5, 2026, at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris.