2025 UNESCO Prize for Global Citizenship Education (50.000 USD)
2025 UNESCO Prize for Global Citizenship Education (50.000 USD)
The UNESCO Prize for Global Citizenship Education (GCED) is a prestigious international award honoring excellence in projects that promote inclusive, peaceful, and responsible global citizenship. The prize provides a $50,000 USD award and international visibility for the most impactful initiatives advancing Global Citizenship Education (GCED). Launched in 2024 with the support of the Republic of Korea, this biennial prize is open to youth-led organizations, institutions, individuals, and NGOs worldwide. With the next award cycle now active, eligible entities have until 1 September 2025 to submit a full application through a UNESCO-recognized nominating body. This article outlines everything you need to know to prepare a competitive application, including background information, eligibility criteria, the selection process, and how to get nominated.
Table of Contents
Background & Job Description
What is the UNESCO Prize for Global Citizenship Education?
The UNESCO Prize for Global Citizenship Education was established to highlight and support effective, scalable, and innovative initiatives that foster active global citizenship. It focuses on encouraging learners of all ages to:
- Understand global challenges
- Embrace cultural diversity
- Promote peace and non-violence
- Respect human rights
- Support sustainable development
This is the first international prize dedicated to GCED and serves as an incentive for institutions and individuals making measurable impacts through education.
Purpose and Categories
The award recognizes outstanding efforts across two distinct categories:
- Youth-Led Organizations
For registered groups led by individuals aged 18 to 30 years. - Other Applicants
Open to:- Individuals
- Institutions
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
- Other entities not affiliated with UNESCO
The winning applicant in either category will receive $50,000 USD to support the ongoing development and scaling of their project.
Tasks
To be considered for this prize, applicants must demonstrate clear evidence of effective GCED-related activities. Strong applications typically reflect:
1. Program Implementation
- A well-defined project or initiative that has been running for at least one year
- Clear goals aligned with UNESCO’s GCED framework, including peace education, human rights, sustainable development, or diversity promotion
2. Tangible Outcomes
- Evidence of impact through data, testimonials, publications, videos, or other outputs
- A track record of reaching target communities, especially underrepresented or marginalized groups
3. Innovation and Scalability
- A unique approach or model that can be adapted or expanded in other regions
- Demonstrated potential for replication or policy integration
4. Ethical Standards
- Transparent leadership
- Non-affiliation with UNESCO
- No prior UNESCO funding for the project
Applicants must work closely with a nominating entity (either a UNESCO National Commission or a UNESCO-affiliated NGO), which will vet and support the nomination before submission.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
There are no academic degree requirements for this prize. However, projects must relate directly to Global Citizenship Education themes. Applicants are expected to:
- Be actively implementing an educational initiative (formal or non-formal)
- Be capable of documenting at least one year of operational history
- Demonstrate adherence to ethical education practices
Experience
While professional experience in education, advocacy, or youth development is beneficial, it is not mandatory. The focus is on real-world impact, not credentials.
For Youth-Led Organizations:
- Must be led by individuals aged 18–30 years
- The youth leadership must be clearly documented in the application
For Other Categories:
- Open to individuals or organizations regardless of age or legal status
- Must not be a branch or project of a UNESCO-affiliated institution
Additional Information
Eligibility Overview
To be eligible for the 2025 UNESCO Prize for GCED, applicants must ensure that their initiative:
- Directly supports the goals of Global Citizenship Education
- Has been active for at least one full year
- Is independent of UNESCO (not affiliated or funded)
- Is formally nominated by a recognized UNESCO National Commission or a partner NGO
Nomination Process
Applicants cannot self-nominate. All applications must be submitted through one of the following:
1. UNESCO National Commission
- Identify your country’s National Commission for UNESCO
- Contact them directly to request support and nomination
- Complete your application and submit it through the UNESCO online platform
- If approved, the Commission will submit the nomination to UNESCO
2. UNESCO-Partnered NGO
- Identify a non-governmental organization in official partnership with UNESCO
- Provide the organization with detailed information about your project
- Secure a letter of nomination
- Upload the nomination letter and submit your application via the UNESCO platform
Note: Only one nomination method may be used. You cannot apply through both a National Commission and an NGO.
Application Steps
- Contact a Nominating Body
Only one should be approached—either a National Commission or an NGO. - Request a User Account
Use the official account request form to indicate your nominating entity. - Access the Online Application Portal
Once approved, log in and fill out the application form in English or French. - Upload Supporting Documents
Include photos, reports, publications, videos, or media coverage to strengthen your case. - Track and Confirm Nomination Submission
Maintain contact with your nominating body to ensure timely submission.
Selection Timeline
- Application Deadline: 1 September 2025
- Review Period: Late 2025
- Winners Announced: Early 2026
Applications are reviewed by an international panel of GCED experts. Selection is based on impact, innovation, sustainability, and alignment with UNESCO’s GCED objectives.
Apply Now for the UNESCO GCED Prize and Elevate Your Educational Impact
If you are an educator, youth advocate, NGO leader, or policy innovator working to make global citizenship a reality through learning and engagement, this is your opportunity.
The $50,000 UNESCO Prize for Global Citizenship Education offers not only funding, but also global recognition, institutional support, and a platform to scale your work internationally.
Begin the process today by identifying a nominating body and preparing your application materials.
Deadline: 1 September 2025
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Disclaimer
This article is a third-party job and opportunity listing published for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with UNESCO or any of its programmes. All applications must be submitted via the official UNESCO platform through an eligible nominating body.
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