UNESCO Launches 2025 Global Citizenship Education Prize. Apply Now!

UNESCO has opened nominations for the 2025 edition of its newly launched Prize for Global Citizenship Education (GCED) — a prestigious opportunity designed to celebrate and elevate impactful work that promotes inclusive, equitable, and transformative education around the world.

Backed by the Republic of Korea and introduced in 2024, this groundbreaking biennial award is the first global prize specifically dedicated to Global Citizenship Education. It recognizes two categories of contributors:

Youth-led organizations, and

Individuals, institutions, NGOs, and other entities committed to fostering peace and social justice through education.

Each selected project — one from each category — will receive a monetary award of $50,000 USD, as determined by an international jury of expert

Why Global Citizenship Education MattersIn a world increasingly marked by division, climate crises, and violence, the role of education in shaping a more peaceful and just future has never been more vital. GCED equips learners with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to build inclusive societies, challenge inequality, and act for the common good — locally and globally.By promoting critical thinking, empathy, human rights, and cross-cultural understanding, GCED empowers learners to:Challenge hate speech, bullying, and discriminationAdvocate for equity and justiceCollaborate across boundaries to address complex global issuesRecognize the interconnectedness of their local and global contextsThis education model aligns with UNESCO’s 2023 Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights and Sustainable Development, which promotes a vision of peace as a shared responsibility built through active participation.

Deadline: 1 September 2025

Educators, youth-led groups, institutions, and civil society actors are encouraged to submit their initiatives for consideration before the 1 September 2025 deadline. Whether your work involves formal education, community outreach, or digital engagement, if it helps shape globally conscious, compassionate citizens, it could be the next award-winning project.How to Apply or NominateApplicants must be nominated by an official partner of UNESCO, such as a National Commission or a recognized NGO. Detailed guidelines are available for both applicants and nominating bodies.

Visit UNESCO’s official site for:Full eligibility and selection criteriaApplication and nomination instructionsPrize statutes and contact details

Guidelines for candidates: How to apply and request a nomination?Contact the appropriate nominating entity to inform them about your interest in applying for the Prize (Note: Only reach out to one):List of National Commissions for UNESCOList of NGOs in official partnership with UNESCOAfter contacting the nominating entity, create your account: request a user account through this form and indicate which nominating entity type you will be applying.

Once your account request is approved, go to the online application platform. (For information, a presentation of the application form is available). Fill in the application form either in English or French. Answer each question clearly and concisely, keeping in mind the selection criteria. Note that there are maximum character limits in each response. All supporting materials (e.g., publications, photos, videos) must be transmitted electronically through the online system.Follow-up with your nominating entity on the status of your application.