The UNESCO Prize for Global Citizenship Education (GCED) 2025 is officially accepting nominations, offering an unprecedented global platform to recognize and amplify outstanding projects dedicated to advancing GCED. Launched in 2024 with the support of the Republic of Korea, this biennial award is the first of its kind and aims to honor transformative efforts that foster peace, human rights, social justice, and sustainable development through education.
ABOUT THE PRIZE
The UNESCO Prize for GCED celebrates projects that have made significant contributions to educating and empowering individuals as responsible global citizens. The prize is underpinned by the belief that education is vital for creating more just, peaceful, and inclusive societies. GCED initiatives often focus on:
- Promoting intercultural understanding
- Fostering youth engagement and civic participation
- Embodying digital citizenship
- Confronting global challenges such as inequality, climate change, and discrimination
AWARD CATEGORIES AND PRIZE DETAILS
There are two distinct categories for the 2025 awards:
- Youth-led Organisations: Projects led by individuals aged between 18-30 years
- Other: This includes individuals, institutions, non-governmental organisations, and other eligible entities
An international jury will select one outstanding project from each category. Each winner will receive USD 50,000, a medal, and a certificate, with the prize presented at a UNESCO event. In addition to the financial grant, recipients will benefit from enhanced global visibility, access to UNESCO networks, and new opportunities for collaboration.
ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION PROCESS
To qualify for nomination, projects must:
- Be directly relevant to Global Citizenship Education
- Demonstrate at least one year of concrete activities and impact
- Not be affiliated with or receive funding from UNESCO
- Be nominated by a UNESCO National Commission or an NGO in official partnership with UNESCO (self-nominations are not accepted)
APPLICATION TIMELINE:
- Candidates should approach their National Commission or an official UNESCO partner NGO by July 17, 2025, to allow time for endorsement and the official nomination
- Nominations must be submitted online in English or French by the official deadline: 1 September 2025 (11:59 pm, Paris time)
SELECTION AND IMPACT
Winners will be chosen by the Director-General of UNESCO on the recommendation of a five-member jury of international experts in GCED. The prize not only acknowledges achievements but is also designed to help scale and sustain impactful educational initiatives, supporting UNESCO’s broader goals under Sustainable Development Goal 4 and its strategic objective to build inclusive and peaceful societies.
Organisations and individuals who are shaping the future of global citizenship through education are strongly encouraged to seize this unparalleled opportunity and contribute to a more equitable world, for more details and apply CLICK HERE
