ABU DHABI (WAM)
In a ceremony attended by senior officials and UNESCO’s permanent delegates, Sheikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum, Supreme President of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, honoured the winners of the "Hamdan-UNESCO Prize for Teacher Development" in its eighth cycle. Held in UNESCO’s main hall in Paris, the event highlighted a shared commitment to advancing teacher quality worldwide.
During the ceremony, Sheikh Rashid and his delegation also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Foundation and UNESCO. This strategic agreement, supported by Hamdan-UNESCO Fund, aims to enhance teacher-focused programmes implemented by UNESCO, reinforcing the partnership’s dedication to educational support and development.
In his address, Sheikh Rashid Bin Hamdan expressed appreciation for UNESCO’s continued support in education, science, and culture, noting its essential role in fostering international cooperation to strengthen education, promote cultural diversity, and encourage human innovation.
Sheikh Rashid praised the strong ties between UNESCO and the United Arab Emirates. He emphasised that education represents a vital investment in the future, highlighting the Hamdan Foundation’s role in advancing education through its partnership with UNESCO, which has facilitated the sharing of effective educational practices and the development of teachers' competencies worldwide.
Reaffirming the UAE's commitment to advancing global education, Sheikh Rashid emphasised the importance of teachers in shaping a brighter future for generations to come. He congratulated the prize winners and recognised the efforts of the judges and coordinators at both Hamdan Foundation and UNESCO.
Commenting on the strategic MoU signing, Dr. Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, stated, "This agreement builds on the vision of the late Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, may he rest in peace, to support education and international initiatives that enhance teacher performance and capabilities. We are dedicated to investing in global education by empowering teachers to fulfil their essential role in community building."
The MoU is designed to reinforce cooperation between the Foundation and UNESCO in developing sustainable education programmes, enhancing teacher skills globally, and creating innovative solutions to educational challenges. Additionally, it seeks to foster inclusive educational environments that contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on developing effective teaching tools, improving teacher efficiency, and supporting efforts to raise education quality in areas with limited resources.
As part of honouring this year’s winning projects, the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation and UNESCO recognised three pioneering initiatives from Bangladesh, Brazil, and Togo. These projects have notably advanced teacher performance and strengthen their impact on local educational systems. The recognition coincided with World Teachers' Day 2024, themed "Recognising Teachers' Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education", highlighting the role of teachers in shaping the future of education and emphasising the importance of incorporating their perspectives into educational policies.
The winners this year include three international organisations recognised for their contributions to education: Good Neighbours Bangladesh for the "Enhancing Teachers' Capacities for Quality Educational Environment" project, Curitiba Municipality - Municipal Education Secretariat in Brazil for “Veredas Formatives”, which promotes interactive education and skill development for teachers, and Chicheo High School in Togo for its "Community-Based Approach to Improve Basic Literacy Skills" project for rural students.
Seven projects reached the final selection stage of the "Hamdan-UNESCO Prize for Teacher Development" in 2024, representing countries including Indonesia, Angola, Norway, China, and Brazil, each contributing to enhancing education and strengthening teacher capabilities.