Hamdan Bin Rashid Foundation, UNESCO honour winners of 'Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum

emirates7 - In a ceremony attended by high-ranking officials and UNESCO’s permanent delegates, Sheikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum, Supreme President of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, honored the recipients of the "Hamdan-UNESCO Prize for Teacher Development" for its eighth cycle. The event, held in UNESCO’s main hall in Paris, underscored a collective commitment to enhancing teacher quality on a global scale.

During the ceremony, Sheikh Rashid and his delegation also observed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Foundation and UNESCO. This strategic agreement, supported by the Hamdan-UNESCO Fund, aims to strengthen teacher-focused programs carried out by UNESCO, further reinforcing their partnership in educational support and development.

In his address, Sheikh Rashid Bin Hamdan expressed gratitude for UNESCO’s ongoing efforts in education, science, and culture, emphasizing its crucial role in fostering international collaboration to enhance education, promote cultural diversity, and stimulate human innovation.

He lauded the robust relationship between UNESCO and the United Arab Emirates, asserting that education is a vital investment in the future. Sheikh Rashid highlighted the Hamdan Foundation’s commitment to advancing education through its collaboration with UNESCO, which has enabled the sharing of effective educational practices and the development of teachers’ skills worldwide.

Reaffirming the UAE's dedication to improving global education, Sheikh Rashid stressed the significant role teachers play in shaping a brighter future for upcoming generations. He congratulated the award winners and acknowledged the efforts of the judges and coordinators at both the Hamdan Foundation and UNESCO.

Commenting on the strategic MoU signing, Dr. Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, stated, "This agreement builds on the vision of the late Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, may he rest in peace, to support education and international initiatives that enhance teacher performance and capabilities. We are committed to investing in global education by empowering teachers to fulfill their essential roles in community building."

The MoU aims to enhance cooperation between the Foundation and UNESCO in developing sustainable education programs, improving teacher skills globally, and creating innovative solutions to educational challenges. It also seeks to promote inclusive educational environments that contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by focusing on developing effective teaching tools, improving teacher efficiency, and raising the quality of education in resource-limited areas.

This year’s winning projects were recognized by the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation and UNESCO, with three pioneering initiatives from Bangladesh, Brazil, and Togo receiving accolades. These projects have significantly advanced teacher performance and their impact on local educational systems. The recognition coincided with World Teachers' Day 2024, themed "Recognising Teachers' Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education," which emphasized the crucial role of teachers in shaping the future of education and the importance of incorporating their insights into educational policies.

The winners included three international organizations acknowledged for their contributions to education: Good Neighbors Bangladesh for its project "Enhancing Teachers' Capacities for Quality Educational Environment," the Curitiba Municipality - Municipal Education Secretariat in Brazil for "Veredas Formativas," which fosters interactive education and skill development for teachers, and Chicheo High School in Togo for its "Community-Based Approach to Improve Basic Literacy Skills" project aimed at rural students. Seven projects reached the final selection stage of the "Hamdan-UNESCO Prize for Teacher Development" in 2024, representing countries such as Indonesia, Angola, Norway, China, and Brazil, each contributing to the enhancement of education and strengthening teacher capabilities.