Hamdan Bin Rashid Foundation And UNESCO Collaborate To Advance Global Teacher Development Through New MoU

Sheikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum, Supreme President of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, honoured the winners of the "Hamdan-UNESCO Prize for Teacher Development" in its eighth cycle. The ceremony took place in UNESCO’s main hall in Paris, attended by senior officials and UNESCO’s permanent delegates, highlighting a shared commitment to improving teacher quality globally.

During the event, Sheikh Rashid and his delegation witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Foundation and UNESCO. This strategic agreement, backed by the Hamdan-UNESCO Fund, aims to enhance teacher-focused programmes implemented by UNESCO. It reinforces the partnership's dedication to educational support and development.

Dr. Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, commented on the MoU signing. He 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." The MoU is designed to strengthen cooperation between the Foundation and UNESCO in developing sustainable education programmes.

The MoU focuses on enhancing teacher skills globally and creating innovative solutions to educational challenges. It also seeks to foster inclusive educational environments contributing to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The agreement aims at developing effective teaching tools, improving teacher efficiency, and supporting efforts to raise education quality in areas with limited resources.

This year’s winning projects were honoured by the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation and UNESCO. Three pioneering initiatives from Bangladesh, Brazil, and Togo were recognised for advancing teacher performance and strengthening their impact on local educational systems. The recognition coincided with World Teachers' Day 2024 under the theme "Recognising Teachers' Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education".

The winners include three international organisations acknowledged for their contributions to education: Good Neighbors Bangladesh for "Enhancing Teachers' Capacities for Quality Educational Environment", Curitiba Municipality - Municipal Education Secretariat in Brazil for "Veredas Formativas", which promotes interactive education and skill development for teachers, and Chicheo High School in Togo for its "Community-Based Approach to Improve Basic Literacy Skills" project for rural students.

Commitment to Global Education

Sheikh Rashid praised the strong ties between UNESCO and the United Arab Emirates. He emphasised that education is a vital investment in the future. He highlighted the Hamdan Foundation’s role in advancing education through its partnership with UNESCO, which has facilitated sharing effective educational practices worldwide.

Reaffirming UAE's commitment to global education advancement, Sheikh Rashid stressed teachers' importance in shaping a brighter future. He congratulated prize winners and acknowledged judges' efforts at both Hamdan Foundation and UNESCO.

Seven projects reached the final selection stage of the "Hamdan-UNESCO Prize for Teacher Development" in 2024. These projects represented countries like Indonesia, Angola, Norway, China, and Brazil. Each contributed significantly towards enhancing education and strengthening teacher capabilities.

With inputs from WAM