Global Awards for Innovation in TVET
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Awards
Q1. What are the UNESCO-UNEVOC Global Awards for Innovation in TVET?
These Awards celebrate outstanding initiatives and institutions transforming Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to promote inclusive, sustainable and just transitions.
Q2. Who organizes the Awards?
The Awards are coordinated by the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre for TVET, and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ) as part of the initiative “Towards a global TVET agenda (TGTA)”.
Q3. What are the main objectives?
The Awards aim to:
- Recognize excellence and innovation in TVET
- Elevate the global profile of TVET
- Promote gender equality and inclusion
- Foster lifelong learning and sustainability
Eligibility and nomination
Q4. Who can apply?
The Global Awards for Innovation in TVET focus on institutions that demonstrate direct responsibility for TVET delivery and implementation.
Eligible applicants include:
- TVET institutions and training providers
- Research institutes implementing TVET-related projects
No, applications must come from institutions. The awards will feature individuals who play key roles in the initiative.
Q6. How can institutions apply?
Applications are submitted through self-nomination on the UNESCO-UNEVOC website during the open call period.
Q7. Can ministries or national TVET bodies nominate institutions?
Yes. Ministries and national bodies responsible for TVET can nominate candidates.
Q8. Are there language or regional limitations?
No. The Awards are global and open to all eligible institutions. Applications are accepted in English, French or Spanish.
Q9. Is there a minimum duration for an initiative to be eligible?
Yes. The initiative must have been in operation for at least one year, as the evaluation criteria place strong emphasis on demonstrated impact.
Q10. Is gender representation a requirement?
Yes. The initiative must demonstrate a minimum of 50% gender representation within the implementing team.
Q11. Are joint submissions allowed?
Yes. Joint submissions are permitted, but only when they involve other training providers or research institutions. A lead institution must be clearly identified, with demonstrated primary responsibility for the design, decision-making, implementation, and results of the TVET initiative being submitted.
Q12 Are foundations, donors, UN bodies, or similar entities eligible to apply for the Awards?
No. Foundations, donors, UN bodies and similar entities are not eligible to apply. Their role should be described as that of a supporter or partner, not an applicant.
The Global Awards for Innovation in TVET are intentionally designed to recognize and elevate innovation at the level of TVET delivery and implementation, rather than funding, policy coordination or international development support. Accordingly, the eligibility criteria focus on TVET institutions and initiatives that are directly responsible for delivering training programmes and learner-centred solutions.
Award categories
Q13. What are the categories for 2026?
1️⃣ Innovative use of technology
2️⃣ Inclusive excellence in TVET
3️⃣ Green and sustainable TVET
4️⃣ Resourceful innovation award
Q14. Will categories change every year?
Yes. Categories will be updated annually to align with global priorities in TVET, such as lifelong learning, digital transformation or peacebuilding.
Evaluation and selection
Q15. What criteria are used to evaluate applications?
Applications will be assessed on:
- Innovation and originality
- Impact and measurable results
- Sustainability and scalability
- Multi-stakeholder engagement
- Resourcefulness and contextual relevance
The panel includes representatives from UNESCO-UNEVOC, UNESCO, partner agencies and youth representatives.
Q17. How many finalists and winners are chosen?
Three finalists per category will be shortlisted. One winner per category will be selected.
Q18. How does the selection process ensure fairness?
The process accounts for institutional capacity, available resources and local context to ensure equitable consideration.
Awards and recognition
Q19. What do winners receive?
- A customized trophy and certificate
- Global visibility through UNESCO-UNEVOC platforms
- Invitation to present their innovation at UNESCO events
- Publication in the UNEVOC Innovative and Promising Practices database
- Support for scaling and replication (based on available funding)
Yes. All finalists are invited to the award ceremony and featured in global communications campaigns.
Q21. Is there a financial reward?
Not necessarily. However, technical or financial support may be provided to scale promising initiatives, depending on available resources.
Ceremony and global promotion
Q22. Where and when will the ceremony take place?
The Awards will be presented at an international UNESCO or UNESCO-UNEVOC event, broadcast live to global audiences.
Q23. Do finalists have to attend in person?
Yes. Finalists are invited to attend a pre-event workshop and the main ceremony. Travel support will be provided.
Q24. How will winning practices be shared?
Winning and finalist initiatives will be featured across UNESCO-UNEVOC’s website, newsletters, social media and reports to inspire replication globally.
Q25. Can a past or ongoing UNEVOC Network Coaction Initiative be nominated for the Global Awards for Innovation in TVET?
No. Past or current UNEVOC Network Coaction Initiatives are not eligible to be nominated.
Q26. Can a TVET institution submit multiple initiatives across all four categories?
An institution may submit a maximum of one (1) initiative per category, if it meets the eligibility criteria for each. However, if one initiative addresses multiple themes, the institution should choose the single category where the initiative demonstrates the strongest impact. The same initiative cannot be reshaped or repackaged to fit another category.
Need more information?
Contact: unevoc.awards(at)unesco.org Email subject: CLARIFICATION
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