The UNESCO-Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development was created in 2008 to support the improvement of teaching and learning quality in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 4 on education, which is one of UNESCO’s priorities.
Awarded every two years, the Prize is generously supported by the Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Distinguished Academic Performance (Hamdan Foundation).
The Hamdan Foundation was established in 1998 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance of the United Arab Emirates. The Foundation targets educational excellence and the sponsorship of giftedness and innovation, to improve educational performance at all levels and sectors, honouring all groups and relevant authorities in the education sector and institutions, as well as the individuals who provide outstanding achievements and creations.
The Prize amounts to US $300,000, which is equally divided between three winners whose projects aim at improving worldwide the performance and effectiveness of teachers worldwide.
Nomination Procedure:
Governments of UNESCO Member States via their National Commissions to UNESCO and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in official partnership with UNESCO can make up to 5 nominations. Self-nominations are not accepted.
- National Commissions: the nomination letter is drafted by the President or Secretary General of the National Commission.
- NGOs in official partnership with UNESCO: the nomination letter is drafted by the President or Director-General at headquarters. If the NGO has branches, the Head of the NGO branch may draft the nomination letter, however a communication confirming that the candidate nomination has been approved by the executive leadership at headquarters should be joined to the nomination letter from the branch.
Selection Criteria
The project submitted by candidates shall have made a significant contribution to enhancing teaching and learning, in line with UNESCO’s principles and objectives in this field:
- by demonstrating innovation aimed at promoting the quality and effectiveness of teaching;
- by producing teaching materials or other special aids designed for the development of innovative teaching and learning;
- by mobilizing initiatives and/or means likely to contribute to enhancing the quality and effectiveness of teaching;
- by strengthening coordination and research that inform and enhance teacher quality and effectiveness.
Timeline:
- Submission of applications online: 31 January 2024
- Meeting of the International Jury: May-June 2024
- Award ceremony and announcement of the laureates: October 2024, World Teachers’ Day
Method of Application
For More Information,
Visit the Official Webpage
Application Deadline: 31 January 2024.
