Hamdan Foundation And ICESCO Celebrate Winners Of Educational Infrastructure Prize For 2025

The winners of the fourth cycle of the Hamdan–ICESCO Prize for the Development of Educational Facilities in the Islamic World were honoured by Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The ceremony took place on 8th December in Baku, Azerbaijan. This award is organised in partnership with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO).

The event coincided with the Launch of the Artificial Intelligence Index in the Islamic World conference. Attendees included Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, along with board members, senior officials, representatives from international organisations and prominent scholars.

Three projects from Yemen, Morocco, and Azerbaijan were recognised for their contributions to education and infrastructure. These initiatives have a combined value exceeding US$28 million. They aim to enhance educational facilities and improve infrastructure across various communities.

A new cooperation agreement was signed between the Foundation and ICESCO during the event. This agreement seeks to strengthen institutional partnerships and broaden collaborative efforts supporting educational initiatives within member states.

Sheikh Rashid highlighted that under the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, investment in people is seen as a key driver of progress. He noted that the prize, initiated by the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum with ICESCO, recognises impactful educational models throughout the Islamic world.

He acknowledged ICESCO’s leadership under Director-General Dr Salim M. AlMalik for significantly enhancing learning environments in remote areas. The prize has also bolstered volunteerism in education and supported governmental efforts across Islamic nations.

Acknowledging Achievements

Dr Salim M. AlMalik commended the prize's role in backing educational and developmental initiatives. He emphasised the strong partnership with the Hamdan Foundation in improving educational quality across member states.

The International Jury Committee selected three winning projects: Yemen's Model Schools Project by Hadramout Foundation for Human Development; Morocco's project by Moroccan Foundation for Early Childhood Education; and Azerbaijan's Support of Education Program by Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

Commitment to Educational Excellence

Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Foundation, stated that the Hamdan–ICESCO Prize is a UAE-led initiative supporting ICESCO’s mission to advance education in Islamic countries. He reiterated their commitment to backing innovative projects that enhance learning environments and build sustainable educational systems.

The event also included a memorandum of understanding between the Foundation and ICESCO to bolster cooperation, support development programmes, and expand institutional collaboration for future educational projects.

The achievements celebrated at this event serve as an inspiration for institutions and benefactors dedicated to advancing education globally. The ongoing collaboration between these organisations aims to create positive impacts across diverse communities within the Islamic world.

With inputs from WAM