Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 19 June 2023: Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Distinguished Academic Performance announced the commencement of the eighth edition of the prestigious Hamdan-UNESCO Prize for Teacher Development.
This esteemed award aims to provide support, encouragement, and enhancement of teachers’ performance and effectiveness, ultimately contributing to the achievement of educational goals for all. Moreover, it serves as a platform for sharing and promoting outstanding teaching practices on a global scale. Applications for participation are now being accepted through the dedicated online platform until October 30, 2023.
Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary- General of Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Distinguished Academic Performance, expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “We are delighted to unveil the eighth edition of Hamdan-UNESCO Prize for Teacher Development. Since its inception in 2009, this global award has witnessed a growing interest from its target audience. It has successfully identified exceptional educators from around the world, recognizing their contributions and drawing from their experiences to propagate exemplary educational practices.” “These efforts reflect the foundation’s commitment to launching impactful initiatives that uplift the quality of education, support teachers, and equip them with the skills necessary to provide progressive educational models in line with scientific and technological advancements. Our vision aligns with the forward-thinking leadership and their endeavors to foster educational communities, which are the bedrock of global advancement,” he added.
Dr. Al Suwaidi further added, “We eagerly anticipate receiving valuable submissions this year. The foundation is dedicated to engaging with and reaching out to targeted entities, ensuring broad participation that will undoubtedly enrich the education landscape with a wealth of experiences, expertise, and best practices. This, in turn, will contribute to the advancement of education and foster a platform for knowledge exchange among educational professionals and stakeholders worldwide.”
Hamdan-UNESCO Prize for Teacher Development, presented biennially, acknowledges three winners from different regions of the world who demonstrate outstanding educational practices that enhance the performance and effectiveness of teachers, particularly in developing countries and marginalized or underserved communities on a global scale. The award carries a total prize value of $300,000, distributed equally among the three winners.
The award organizers emphasize that nominations are open to individuals representing international and national organizations or institutions, whether governmental or non-governmental, as well as educational or research institutions, local, national, and regional bodies, and associations. Self-nominations are not accepted. The nominating entities may include national committees and affiliated non-governmental organizations, which must maintain an official partnership with UNESCO. Each nominating entity is eligible to nominate up to five candidates for the prize. Submissions are accepted exclusively in English and French. Interested participants can access the award’s official website to review the eligibility criteria and submit their applications.
All applications will undergo a rigorous evaluation process by the esteemed international jury committee, composed of prominent experts in the field. The committee will select the award recipients, who will be honored during an official ceremony coinciding with World Teachers’ Day in October 2024.
Since its inception in the 2009/2010 academic year until the seventh edition in 2021/2022, Hamdan-UNESCO Prize for Teacher Development has attracted the participation of 804 participants. Throughout this period, a total of 20 distinguished institutions have been recognized as winners.
