The UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for the use of ICT in education is now accepting candidatures. The theme of the 2021 edition is the use of technology to enable inclusive crisis-resilient learning systems.
The 2021 edition is taking place at a critical time, when education continues to be disrupted across the globe. It therefore focuses on a theme whose importance has been highlighted by COVID-19, rewarding projects that have used technology to build public learning programmes that effectively ensure the continuity and quality of learning for all.
Inclusive and crisis-resilient learning systems not only include connectivity and access to digital devices, but also the provision of age-appropriate digital content and digital skills training for teachers, students, and caregivers. The digitalization of learning systems must be guided by humanistic principles to ensure that technology protects human rights and ensures inclusion and equity. Technology should be in the service of human interactions and capacity development. The projects must ensure the data privacy and well-being of students, teachers, and caregivers. They should also consider the adoption of greening strategies to mitigate or neutralize the negative impacts of the technological solutions to internet connectivity and digital devices in education.
Two winners will be selected by the Director-General of UNESCO based on the recommendations of an international Jury, and each winner will receive a reward of US$ 25,000 and a diploma.
The deadline for nominations is 18 February 2022 (midnight, Paris time).
Details of the selection process and applications can be found on the Prize webpage.