UNESCO-UNEVOC has opened nominations for the 2026 Global Awards for Innovation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), an international recognition programme celebrating institutions that are reshaping vocational learning systems.
The awards spotlight models that strengthen learning outcomes, empower communities and demonstrate how TVET can drive social and economic transformation.
Focus
The awards seek to elevate the global visibility of TVET by highlighting initiatives that advance quality, innovation, and equity.
They recognise programmes that demonstrate fresh thinking, expand lifelong learning pathways and address the needs of disadvantaged and underserved groups.
A central objective is to promote knowledge sharing, enabling institutions worldwide to learn from successful, context-responsive practices.
Award categories
Nominations are welcomed across several recurring categories, including the innovative use of technology, pioneering digital or pedagogical approaches, and inclusive programmes serving marginalised learners.
The awards also recognise green and sustainable TVET initiatives, as well as resourceful innovations that succeed despite limited funding or challenging local conditions.
Each category reflects UNESCO-UNEVOC’s emphasis on relevance, creativity and long-term impact.
Programme benefits
Award recipients will receive a formal trophy and certificate, along with global visibility through UNESCO-UNEVOC platforms.
Selected institutions may be invited to present their work at international events and have their initiatives featured in the global database of innovative and promising TVET practices.
Finalists will participate in a pre-event workshop, and winning practices may receive support for scaling or replication, subject to available funding.
Who can be nominated
Nominations are open to TVET institutions worldwide.
Eligible nominations may be submitted by institutions nominating themselves, ministries of education or labour, national TVET bodies or other relevant authorities.
Institutions must present a specific initiative or practice that aligns with the award themes and demonstrates measurable or observable impact.
Nomination process
Nominations must be submitted through the designated online application form.
Institutions may consult an offline version of the form to prepare their responses before completing the official submission.
Entries should clearly describe the innovation, evidence of impact, stakeholder engagement and how the initiative promotes inclusion, sustainability or lifelong learning.
Deadline
Nominations are due on January 30, 2026. Interested applicants should visit the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre website to submit their entries.
Check out related awards on our Opportunities page.
Summary not available at this time.
