UNESCO Prize for Global Citizenship Education 2025 | $50,000

UNESCO is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Prize for Global Citizenship Education (GCED) — a prestigious international award celebrating exceptional projects that foster inclusive, peaceful, and responsible global citizenship.

Funded by the Republic of Korea, this biennial prize awards $50,000 USD to one outstanding initiative that has significantly advanced peace education, human rights, sustainable development, and intercultural understanding.

Whether you are part of a youth-led organization, an NGO, an institution, or an individual changemaker, this is your chance to gain international recognition and scale your project’s impact.

🏆 What Is the UNESCO GCED Prize?

The GCED Prize, launched in 2024, recognizes outstanding efforts in Global Citizenship Education — a key UNESCO priority that empowers learners of all ages to engage with the world and take action toward a more just, sustainable, and peaceful future.

Who Can Apply?

There are two main categories of eligibility:

1. Youth-Led Organizations

   • Registered groups led by individuals aged 18 to 30 years

2. Other Eligible Applicants

   • Individuals

   • Institutions

   • NGOs

   • Other organizations not affiliated with UNESCO

🔍 What Makes a Strong Application?

To stand out, applicants must demonstrate:

1. Program Implementation

• A project or initiative operating for at least 12 months

• Clear goals aligned with GCED, including:

  • Peacebuilding and conflict resolution

  • Human rights education

  • Cultural diversity and inclusion

  • Environmental sustainability

UNESCO Prize for Global Citizenship Education

2. Tangible Outcomes

• Measurable results and testimonials

• Multimedia evidence (e.g., reports, photos, videos, articles)

• Impact on underrepresented or marginalized groups

3. Innovation and Scalability

• Creative approaches to civic engagement and education

• Proven ability to adapt or replicate the initiative in other contexts

✉️ How to Apply

To be considered, all candidates must submit a full application through a UNESCO-recognized nominating body (such as National Commissions for UNESCO or Permanent Delegations).

✅ Key Information:

• Deadline: 1 September 2025

• Award: $50,000 USD for the winning initiative

• Apply Through: A recognized nominator (not directly to UNESCO)

👉 Visit the official UNESCO GCED Prize page to learn more and access nomination forms.

📅 Timeline at a Glance

💡 Why You Should Apply

• Global Recognition: Get highlighted by UNESCO and its global education networks

• Funding Boost: $50,000 to grow and scale your project

• Networking: Connect with other changemakers, partners, and funders in education and development

FAQs

Q: Can I nominate myself?
No. You must apply through a recognized nominator (e.g., your country’s National Commission for UNESCO or a Permanent Delegation).

Q: Does the project need to be global in reach?
Not necessarily. Local or regional projects with measurable impact are highly encouraged to apply.

Q: Can non-formal education projects apply?
Yes! Both formal and non-formal education initiatives are welcome.

Q: What if our project is youth-led but unregistered?
Unfortunately, only formally registered youth-led organizations can apply under the youth category.