Call for
UNESCO Prize for Global Citizenship Education 2025
About Organisation
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that champions global peace and sustainable development through its core areas—education, science, culture, and communication. Established in 1945, UNESCO works to promote international cooperation and mutual understanding among nations by setting global standards, producing knowledge resources, and designing tools to address pressing global challenges.
Its mission is rooted in advancing dignity, equality, and human rights, while supporting member states in their efforts to develop inclusive education systems, preserve cultural heritage, promote scientific collaboration, and foster freedom of expression. UNESCO also plays a vital role in shaping policies and practices that promote intercultural dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
With programs implemented worldwide, UNESCO collaborates with governments, non-governmental organizations, and civil society to foster resilience and empower communities. Its emphasis on global citizenship education reflects a commitment to building a more just, equitable, and peaceful world, particularly by engaging youth and marginalized groups. Through platforms like international prizes, capacity-building, and global campaigns, UNESCO elevates innovative solutions and supports grassroots initiatives that align with its vision of a shared and sustainable humanity.
About the Grant
The UNESCO Prize for Global Citizenship Education (GCED), established in 2024 with the support of the Republic of Korea, serves as a prestigious global initiative to spotlight innovative projects advancing the values of global citizenship. This prize is the first of its kind under UNESCO’s banner to recognize and promote exceptional efforts that foster inclusivity, peace, human rights, and intercultural understanding.
Awarded biennially, the prize aims to honor projects that empower learners of all ages to act responsibly as global citizens. It is structured in two categories: (1) Youth-led organizations, and (2) Other entities including individuals, institutions, and NGOs. Projects submitted under both categories should demonstrate impact, innovation, and sustainability in the field of GCED.
The initiative encourages practical, community-based approaches that nurture global awareness, empathy, and active civic participation. It provides an unparalleled opportunity for visibility on an international stage, opening pathways to new partnerships, recognition, and further scaling of impactful educational practices.
By celebrating and sharing these stories of success, UNESCO continues to reinforce the importance of global citizenship education in creating a more informed, tolerant, and peaceful world.
Who can Apply?
The UNESCO Prize for Global Citizenship Education is open to two distinct categories of applicants, each with specific eligibility requirements:
1. Youth-led Organizations:
To qualify under this category, the applying organization must be led by individual(s) aged between 18 to 30 years. The initiative must reflect the values and goals of GCED and should have been operational for at least one year, showcasing tangible activities and measurable impact. The organization must function independently and should not be affiliated with, nor receive funding from, UNESCO.
2. Other Category:
This includes individuals, institutions, non-governmental organizations, or other entities. The applicant must demonstrate a strong commitment to promoting GCED through a sustained and impactful initiative that has been implemented for a minimum of one year. As with youth-led groups, applicants in this category must not have any direct affiliation with UNESCO or be recipients of its funding.
Common Requirement for All Applicants:
All applications must be submitted through a nomination. This nomination must come from a UNESCO National Commission or an NGO that holds official relations with UNESCO. Direct submissions without nomination are not accepted.
This inclusive eligibility structure encourages a wide variety of actors to contribute their vision for global citizenship.
How to Apply?
Applicants cannot submit directly but must be nominated by a UNESCO National Commission or an NGO in official relation with UNESCO. Each nominating body may propose up to three candidates. Nominations must be submitted to the UNESCO Secretariat by the nominating body through official channels. Ensure your project aligns with the criteria and has clear evidence of impact before seeking nomination.
Application Deadline
All nominations by eligible UNESCO National Commissions or partner NGOs must be submitted to the UNESCO Secretariat no later than 1 September 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.
Last Date to Apply
The final deadline for nomination submission to UNESCO is 1 September 2025. Applicants must coordinate with the nominating body well in advance to complete all required documentation.
Grant Amount
Two winners—one from each category—will receive a prize of USD 50,000 each, recognizing and supporting their outstanding contributions to global citizenship education worldwide.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
