Hamdan Foundation and UNESCO Explore Expanded Cooperation in Teacher Development
The Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences and UNESCO have discussed strengthening their long-standing partnership and exploring new avenues of international cooperation to support teacher development and improve education quality worldwide.
The discussions took place at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, where H.E. Qun Chen, Assistant Director-General for Education at UNESCO, received H.E. Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General and Executive Director of the Hamdan Foundation, on the sidelines of the International Jury meeting of the UNESCO-Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development.
Focus on Teacher Empowerment and Educational Excellence
The meeting reviewed opportunities to expand strategic collaboration between the two organizations, with a focus on advancing teacher development initiatives, promoting knowledge exchange, and supporting global efforts aimed at enhancing educational practices.
During the discussions, Dr. Al Suwaidi conveyed the greetings and congratulations of Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan Al Maktoum, Supreme Chairman of the Foundation, to Qun Chen on his appointment as UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Education.
Dr. Al Suwaidi also highlighted the Foundation’s key educational initiatives implemented in partnership with UNESCO, particularly the UNESCO-Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development, which has become a globally recognized platform for celebrating excellence and innovation in teacher preparation and professional development.
Building on a Productive Partnership
Commenting on the meeting, Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi said the Foundation remains committed to supporting international efforts that empower educators and strengthen education systems.
He noted that the partnership with UNESCO reflects a shared commitment to advancing education through impactful initiatives and collaborative projects that contribute to improving teaching quality and professional development opportunities worldwide.
Dr. Al Suwaidi emphasized that teacher development remains a cornerstone of educational advancement and reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to working with international partners to promote best practices, exchange expertise, and support initiatives that enhance teachers’ impact within their communities.
UNESCO Praises Foundation’s Contributions
For his part, Qun Chen praised the achievements of the UNESCO-Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development and its contribution to supporting educators around the world.
He highlighted the significance of the partnership between UNESCO and the Foundation, which began in 2008, describing it as a highly valued collaboration that has contributed to teacher empowerment, continuous learning opportunities, and support for underserved and marginalized communities.
Chen also noted that promoting and recognizing innovative educational initiatives contributes directly to advancing Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and commended the Foundation’s leadership in fostering educational excellence on a global scale.
Commemorative Recognition
At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. Al Suwaidi presented a commemorative shield to Qun Chen in recognition of the enduring cooperation and partnership between UNESCO and the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences.
The meeting reaffirmed both organizations’ commitment to expanding collaborative efforts that support teachers, strengthen educational systems, and drive positive change across the global education landscape.
