UNESCO has launched the call for nominations for the 2021 UNESCO-Japan Prize on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
Generously funded by the Government of Japan, the Prize will award three prizes of US $50,000 to exceptional projects and programmes in the field of Education for Sustainable Development.
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) develops learners’ knowledge, attitudes, values and actions to be able to meet urgent present global challenges like climate change and create a better future for all. By shining a light on great examples of ESD, UNESCO and Japan hope to inspire organizations, individuals and governments to encourage sustainability in learners.
Get inspired by past winners of the UNESCO/Japan Prize on Education for Sustainable Development.
The UNESCO/Japan Prize has been awarded since 2015 to outstanding projects in ESD. Here are some of the previous winners.
NaDEET (Namib Desert Environmental Education Trust), Namibia
Passionate about sharing the magic of the Namib Desert, 15 years ago, Viktoria Keding decided to set up an environmental education centre with a group of local women. Situated in the NamibRand natural reserve, the NaDEET centre is powered almost exclusively by solar energy and has a minimal carbon footprint.
Find out more and how to get involved via UNESCO Green Citizens
© NaDEET (Namib Desert Environmental Education Trust)
Zikra for Popular Learning, Jordan
To face social, economic and environmental challenges in Jordan, Zikra encourages citizens to drive change by reconnecting with ancestral knowledge.
Find out more and how to get involved via UNESCO Green Citizens
© Zikra for Popular Learning
SERES, cultivating youth leaders, Guatemala
In Guatemala and El Salvador, SERES is preparing young people to become leaders capable of building fairer, more sustainable communities.
Find out more and how to get involved via UNESCO Green Citizens
Nominations for the Prize
Nomination close on April 30th, and nominations can be made by Governments of UNESCO Member States via their Permanent Delegation to UNESCO in consultation with their National Commission for UNESCO as well as by non-governmental organizations NGOs in official partnership with UNESCO. Learn more
Organizations looking to be nominated are advised to contact their country’s National Commission for UNESCO (see list here) or an NGO or Foundation in official partnership with UNESCO (see list of NGOs here / list of Foundations here).
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
The three Prize winners are selected by the Director-General of UNESCO on the basis of recommendations made by an international independent Jury consisting of five experts. Learn more
In 2021, three winners will be rewarded with US$ 50,000 each and will be invited to establish a long-term collaboration with UNESCO by joining the ESD for 2030 Global Network (ESD-Net).