The UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al‑Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICT in Education recognizes innovative approaches in leveraging new technologies to expand educational and lifelong learning opportunities for all, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Goal 4 on education.

Established in 2005 with the support of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Prize rewards individuals and organizations that are implementing outstanding projects and promoting the creative use of technologies to enhance learning, teaching and overall educational performance in the digital age. An international jury selects two best projects annually. Each prizewinner receives US$25,000, a medal and a diploma during a ceremony at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. Every year the Prize has a specific theme aligned with UNESCO’s mandate and values and promotes responsible and ethical use of ICT in education.

Nomination Process

The disruptive effects of the COVID‑19 pandemic revealed the need for governments to rethink schooling models and use technology to build crisis‑resilient learning systems. These systems should include connectivity, digital devices, age‑appropriate digital content, and digital skills training for teachers, students, and caregivers. Technology should be guided by humanistic principles to ensure inclusion, equity, and protection of human rights.

Successful learning systems during the pandemic used continuously upgraded technology to minimize educational disruption. Projects submitted for the Prize should ensure data privacy and well‑being of learners and consider environmentally sustainable technology solutions.

Who can apply?

• Individuals
• Institutions
• Non‑governmental organizations or other entities

Eligibility criteria

• Project must be running for at least 1 year
• Project must not be affiliated with UNESCO or funded by UNESCO
• Technology used should be open and free

Selection criteria

• Relevance to the theme
• Innovation
• Evidence of impact
• Replicability and scalability
• Inclusion and equity

2026 Guidelines Document