Hamdan Bin Mohammed Awards GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2025 To Saudi Teacher Mansour Al-Mansour

The GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2025, worth US$1 million, was awarded to Saudi teacher Mansour Al-Mansour. The ceremony took place during the World Governments Summit 2025. It was attended by several dignitaries, including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This prestigious award recognises exceptional contributions to the teaching profession.

Mansour Al-Mansour teaches at Prince Saud bin Jalawi School in Saudi Arabia. He has volunteered over 3,000 hours to his community, transforming the lives of many gifted orphans. Chosen from over 5,000 nominations across 89 countries, his dedication stands out. Since its inception, the Global Teacher Prize has received more than 100,000 applications globally.

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The Global Teacher Prize is a Varkey Foundation initiative in partnership with UNESCO. It highlights the vital role teachers play in society. Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Global Teacher Prize and Chairman of the Varkey Foundation, expressed admiration for Mansour's dedication and passion for education. "Congratulations to Mansour on winning the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2025," he said.

Mansour's work extends beyond teaching students; he also supports fellow educators. He has authored over 21 books on education topics like innovative teaching methods and professional ethics. Additionally, he has provided more than 300 training hours to teachers throughout the Gulf region.

Since 2001, Mansour has taught in low-income areas, assisting students with academic challenges and disabilities. He helped them participate in the 'Riyali Financial Awareness Initiative', which empowers students with entrepreneurship skills and financial literacy training. Through this program, students received interest-free loans to start small businesses.

One student now owns a business generating SAR1,500-2,500 monthly income. This initiative equips low-income students with skills for financial independence and entrepreneurship. Mansour's efforts have significantly impacted his students' lives and futures.

Recognition from UNESCO

Stefania Giannini from UNESCO praised the prize for honouring teachers' dedication worldwide. She emphasised that recognising teachers is crucial for building a just and sustainable future amid global teacher shortages and technological changes. "Teachers matter as they shape not only the next generation but the future of our societies," she stated.

Mansour's achievements have earned him recognition as an international ambassador for the Hamdan Bin Rashid Foundation in Dubai. In this role, he travels across Gulf countries sharing his expertise and training other educators.

Finalists from Around the World

The top ten finalists for this year's prize included educators from various countries: Brett Dascombe (Australia), Céline Haller (France), Erick Hueck (US), Karina Sarro (Argentina), Mohammad Imran Khan Mewati (India), Muhammad Nazmi (Malaysia), Ramón Majé Floriano (Colombia), Subash Chandar K (New Zealand), and Tionge Mtambo (Malawi).

Applicants are evaluated on their teaching practices, innovation in addressing local challenges, learning outcomes achieved, community impact beyond classrooms, fostering global citizenship among children, improving teaching standards, and gaining external recognition.

Lisa Crausby from GEMS Education acknowledged Mansour's remarkable efforts: "At GEMS Education, we see every day the immense impact that teachers have on their students and communities." She congratulated him on winning this well-deserved recognition for inspiring young minds worldwide.

Mansour expressed gratitude upon receiving this honour: "Thank you to GEMS Education, the Varkey Foundation, and UNESCO for this incredible honour." He hopes to continue uplifting children's lives in Saudi Arabia and beyond through this platform.

With inputs from WAM