Deadline: January 30, 2026
The UNESCO-UNEVOC Global Awards for Innovation in TVET 2026 celebrates outstanding institutions and initiatives driving excellence, innovation, and inclusive transformation in the field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Designed to spotlight impactful practices worldwide, the Awards aim to strengthen knowledge-sharing, support sustainable skills development, and elevate the global visibility of TVET’s contribution to social and economic progress.
The UNESCO-UNEVOC Global Awards for Innovation in TVET 2026 provide a platform for institutions that are redefining the future of skills, technology, inclusion, and sustainability in education and training.
About the Awards
The Global Awards for Innovation in TVET is a new flagship recognition initiative coordinated by UNESCO-UNEVOC and supported by the German Federal Ministry for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMBFSFJ) under the “Towards a Global TVET Agenda” programme.
The Awards identify and honour exceptional TVET practices that show innovation, impact, and scalability across different contexts. The initiative supports global collaboration and highlights how TVET systems are responding to evolving labour-market demands, sustainability goals, and lifelong learning needs.
Objectives of the Awards
The Awards seek to:
- Promote quality and innovation across TVET systems.
- Elevate global understanding of TVET’s role in empowering individuals, industries, and communities.
- Strengthen partnerships and encourage knowledge-exchange among global TVET stakeholders.
- Advance equity and inclusion by recognising initiatives that support vulnerable or underrepresented groups.
- Encourage sustainable development and green-skills training.
- Support lifelong learning and adult education through adaptable and forward-thinking TVET solutions.
Award Categories for 2026
For the 2026 edition, institutions may submit nominations under four main categories:
1. Innovative Use of Technology
Celebrates solutions leveraging digital, pedagogical, or systemic technologies to enhance learning outcomes and prepare learners for rapidly evolving job markets.
2. Inclusive Excellence in TVET
Recognises efforts that expand access for marginalised, underrepresented, or disadvantaged groups, promoting gender equality, social inclusion, and equitable learning pathways.
3. Green and Sustainable TVET
Honours initiatives that integrate climate action, sustainability principles, and green-skills development into vocational training programmes.
4. Resourceful Innovation
Focuses on impactful, efficient, and scalable innovations developed in contexts with limited resources, infrastructure, or funding.
Eligibility Criteria
The Awards are open to:
- Training providers delivering TVET programmes.
- Research institutes contributing to TVET development.
- Institutions worldwide—there are no geographical restrictions.
Eligible institutions may self-nominate or be nominated by relevant bodies such as ministries or national TVET authorities.
Benefits for Awardees
Winners will receive:
- An official award trophy and certificate of recognition.
- Invitations to UNESCO-UNEVOC events to share and present their innovative practices.
- Inclusion in UNESCO-UNEVOC’s global database of promising and innovative TVET practices.
- Increased international visibility and opportunities for collaboration.
- Potential technical or financial support (where available) to scale or replicate the recognised initiative.
Application Timeline
- Nomination window: 10 November 2025 – 30 January 2026
Applications must be submitted through the official online platform.
How to Apply
Institutions may complete their nomination through the designated online application form. Submissions must provide detailed descriptions of the initiative, its impact, and supporting evidence of innovation and results.
Final Notes
Participating in this global initiative provides institutions with a prestigious platform to showcase their work, strengthen partnerships, and contribute to global TVET transformation.
Apply Here
Read More About the Programme
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining and review.
