The UNESCO-Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development was created in 2008 to support the improvement of teaching and learning quality toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 on education, one of UNESCO’s priorities.
Awarded every two years, the Prize is generously supported by the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences (Hamdan Foundation).
The Hamdan Foundation was established in 1998 by His Highness the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, former Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance of the United Arab Emirates. The Foundation supports educational excellence and the sponsorship of giftedness and innovation, to improve educational performance in all levels and sectors, honouring all groups and relevant authorities in the education sector as well as institutions and individuals contributing outstanding innovations and creations.
The Prize awards US$ 300,000 (divided equally between three winners), who each also receive a certificate. In addition, laureates may benefit from increased visibility, networking opportunities, and international recognition. Laureated projects have demonstrated outstanding achievements in improving teaching practices and enhancing the quality of teaching and learning, including potential for adaptation and mutual policy or programmatic learning.
The winners are selected by an International Jury composed of five distinguished professionals chosen for their high-level of knowledge and experience in teacher-related issues.
