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, which, while being in line with UNESCO’s mandate and values, advocates for responsible and ethical use of information and communication technologies.
Theme of the 2025 edition: Preparing learners and teachers for the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence.
Education systems play a foundational role in helping both teachers and learners develop the AI competencies needed to navigate a world where AI is becoming increasingly pervasive. This requires cultivating critical AI literacy, including an understanding of how the technology works, its evolving capabilities, strengths, limitations, and risks. It involves not only technical knowledge but also ethical and critical awareness of AI tools. With critical AI competencies, teachers and learners can effectively steer AI use toward desired educational outcomes and contribute to the co-creation of future tools.
Within this context, the 2025 UNESCO ICT in Education Prize seeks to surface and spotlight best practices that empower young generations and education stakeholders with key AI skills, fostering critical thinking and enabling them to navigate and harness this transformative technology responsibly.
Note: If digital tools are used for the delivery of the project activities, the Prize prioritizes projects that deploy tools offering unrestricted access to their core features without imposing any fees for target users.
The International Jury consists of five independent members who are recognized figures in the field of ICTs in education selected also with a view to equitable geographical distribution and gender equality. They have been appointed by the Director-General for a period of two years.