UNESCO opens nominations for Girls’ and Women’s Education Prize 2026

UNESCO has opened nominations for the 2026 edition of the Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education, with submissions due by May 12, 2026.

Applicants in India must route their entries through the Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO by May 5, 2026, in line with the nomination process.

Each government can nominate up to three candidates for the award. Two laureates will be selected in 2026, and each will receive $50,000.

The purpose of the 'UNESCO Prize for Girls' and Women's Education' is to reward the outstanding efforts of the individuals, institutions, or organizations engaged in activities promoting girls' and women's education, according to the official notification. The prize will be funded by the Government of the People's Republic of China.

According to the guidelines, the award will be presented annually over a five-year period starting with the 2026 edition, with the prize money equally divided between the two winners.

UNESCO has asked member states to conduct a national selection process and publicly announce their nominees. Nominations must be submitted online in English or French by midnight on May 12, 2026.

The final selection will be made by the Director-General of UNESCO based on recommendations from an international jury.

UNESCO has also stated in its official notification that the prize money is granted with the expectation that the recognized project, individual, or organization will use the amount to advance their work.