Prof/. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chairman of the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science, and Culture, emphasized the importance of the National Commission's role in implementing national, regional, and international projects in cooperation with UNESCO, ALECSO, and ISESCO. He explained that these efforts contribute to achieving Egypt's Vision 2030 and enhance Egypt's representation in international forums concerned with education, culture, and science. They also support cooperation with these organizations in the fields of higher education, scientific research, and innovation, and promote the exchange of expertise at the Arab, African, and international levels.

In this context, the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO, in cooperation with UNESCO, announced the opening of applications for the 2025 Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa Award for the Use of Information and Communication Technologies in Education.

For his part, prof. / Ayman Farid, Assistant Minister for Strategic Planning, Training, and Labor Market Qualification, Head of the Cultural Affairs and Missions Sector, and Supervisor of the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science, and Culture, stated that this award was established in 2005 with funding from the Kingdom of Bahrain. It aims to promote the use of creativity and innovation in the field of information and communication technology (ICT) for the benefit of education, and to reward the outstanding efforts of individuals, institutions, and non-governmental organizations that significantly contribute to the delivery of projects and activities characterized by best practices and innovative uses of ICT to enhance learning and overall educational performance.

The Supervisor of the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science, and Culture noted that this award aims to honor individuals and organizations who innovate new approaches to using modern technologies to expand educational opportunities by ensuring access to quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all, in line with Goal 4 of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, on education.

For her part, prof./ Hala Abdel Gawad, Assistant Secretary-General of the National Commission for UNESCO, stated that this year's edition of the award (2025) celebrates its twentieth anniversary. The theme is "Preparing Learners and Teachers for the Ethical and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence." It honors projects that enable younger generations and education stakeholders to acquire basic AI skills, helping them develop critical thinking and maximize the benefits of this already widespread technology.

Each country nominates four projects for the award, and a specialized international committee at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris selects only two outstanding projects. Each winner receives $25,000, in addition to a certificate of appreciation and international recognition during the annual award ceremony. Those wishing to apply for this award should register an account at the following link:

https://bit.ly/41skMNt

For more information, please visit the following link:

https://www.unesco.org/en/prizes/ict-education

Please complete the award registration form (available via the previous link) and send a copy to the National Committee via email at the following address:

egypt.natcom@gmail.com

egnatcom@egnatcom.org.eg

No later than April 21, 2025. Nominations received after the deadline or that do not meet the selection criteria will not be considered, according to the terms and conditions of the award.