Executive Board Hundred and eightieth session 180 EX/54 PARIS, 5 September 2008 Original: English Item 54 of the provisional agenda PROPOSAL FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE UNESCO-HAMDAN BIN RASHID AL-MAKTOUM PRIZE FOR OUTSTANDING PRACTICE AND PERFORMANCE IN ENHANCING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TEACHERS SUMMARY The Executive Board is invited to approve UNESCO s association with a new Prize, funded by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum and entitled UNESCO-Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Prize for Outstanding Practice and Performance in Enhancing the Effectiveness of Teachers. The purpose of the Prize is to support, encourage and benefit those working to enhance the performance and effectiveness of teachers towards EFA. It will also serve to facilitate the global sharing and dissemination of outstanding practices related to teachers. There are no financial or administrative implications for UNESCO. Action expected of the Executive Board: proposed decision in paragraph 5. 1. The Minister of Education of the United Arab Emirates, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Award for Distinguished Academic Performance, has informed the Director-General of UNESCO of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum s proposal to create a new Prize in the field of education entitled UNESCO- Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Prize for Outstanding Practice and Performance in Enhancing the Effectiveness of Teachers. 2. Aimed at improving educational practices around the world, with priority given to developing country contexts, as well as to marginalized and disadvantaged communities from the wider global context, this Prize will reward candidates that have made an outstanding contribution, through their teacher-related activities, to enhancing the quality of teaching and learning. It shall be awarded on a biennial basis to three candidates for each two-year cycle, for an initial period of six years.
page 2 3. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, who is a strong supporter of UNESCO s programmes in the field of education, will fully fund this Prize and all related costs, including those incurred by UNESCO as a result of its association with the Prize. This will include compensation for staff time. In accordance with the draft statutes presented in the Annex to this document, a Special Account will be created in order to accommodate funds provided by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum for the purpose of enabling UNESCO staff to undertake activities associated with the development and management of the Prize. 4. Since the statutes for this Prize differ from the standard model previously approved by the Executive Board during its 171st session (171 EX/19), these statutes are being submitted to the Board for approval. Action expected of the Executive Board 5. In light of the foregoing, the Executive Board may wish to adopt a decision along the following lines: The Executive Board, 1. Having examined document 180 EX/54 concerning the establishment of the UNESCO- Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Prize for Outstanding Practice and Performance in Enhancing the Effectiveness of Teachers intended to reward and promote outstanding practices in teacher-related activities for the enhancement of the quality of teaching and learning, 2. Considering that the educational objectives of the Prize are in line with those of UNESCO, as set out in the Organization s Medium-Term Strategy 2008-2013, and in particular overarching objective 1 Attaining Quality Education for All, 3. Noting that His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum has generously proposed to meet all costs related to the participation of UNESCO in this endeavour, 4. Further noting the Financial Regulations of the Special Account for this Prize, as set out in document 180 EX/54, Annex II, 5. Expresses its gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum and the Government of the United Arab Emirates for this exceptional initiative; 6. Approves the Statutes of the UNESCO-Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Prize for Outstanding Practice and Performance in Enhancing the Effectiveness of Teachers as contained in Annex I to document 180 EX/54.
Annex I ANNEX I DRAFT STATUTES OF THE UNESCO-HAMDAN BIN RASHID AL-MAKTOUM PRIZE FOR OUTSTANDING PRACTICE AND PERFORMANCE IN ENHANCING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TEACHERS 1. Purpose 1.1 The purpose of the UNESCO-Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Prize for Outstanding Practice and Performance in Enhancing the Effectiveness of Teachers is to support, encourage and benefit those working to enhance the performance and effectiveness of teachers towards EFA. It will also serve to facilitate the global sharing and dissemination of outstanding practices related to teachers. These objectives are fully in line with UNESCO s strategic directions in the field of education, as set out in document 34 C/4 Approved (Medium-Term Strategy for 2008-2013). 2. Designation and amount of the Prize 2.1 The Prize shall be entitled the UNESCO-Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Prize for Outstanding Practice and Performance in Enhancing the Effectiveness of Teachers. 2.2 The Prize shall be awarded on a biennial basis to three candidates and will correspond to a total amount of US $270,000 to be apportioned between the three prizewinners. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum will cover both the monetary value of the Prize and the costs of administering it. 3. Frequency, number and geographical distribution of the Prize 3.1 Every two years, the Prize shall be awarded to three candidates who have proven achievement in enhancing performance and effectiveness of teachers in developing countries, or within marginalized or disadvantaged communities, from the wider global context. 4. Required conditions 4.1 The candidates must have earned recognition for their work in enhancing teacher effectiveness, in line with UNESCO s objectives in this field. 5. Selection of prizewinners 6. Jury 5.1 The prizewinners shall be selected by an international jury. 6.1 The Jury shall be composed of: three permanent members who shall be: the representative of the Director- General of UNESCO, a representative of the Board of Trustees of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Award for Distinguished Academic Performance, and a General Coordinator. The General Coordinator (GC) will have educational, administrative and leadership experience and a high level of professional credibility in a relevant field. He/she will participate in the selection of nonpermanent Jury Members, chair the Jury and undertake advocacy, administrative and logistical duties as appropriate. His/Her appointment will be through common
Annex I page 2 agreement of UNESCO and the Board of Trustees of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al- Maktoum Award; and five non-permanent members, who shall be distinguished professionals with a high level of knowledge and experience of teacher-related issues. The Jury membership should reflect the global nature of the Prize, with geographical representation of all UNESCO regions (Africa, Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and North America, and Latin America and the Caribbean). Gender balance will also be a key consideration. 6.2 The Director-General of UNESCO shall be the Honorary President of the Jury. 6.3 The Jury shall meet twice in each biennium, once for induction and once for evaluation of all Prize submissions. 7. Management of the Prize 7.1 The Secretariat for the Prize will be based in Dubai, UAE at the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al- Maktoum Award. It shall be responsible for organizing the awarding of the Prize in agreement with UNESCO. In particular, it shall fund and be responsible for: (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) nominating the General Coordinator; producing with UNESCO the UNESCO-Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Prize for Outstanding Practice and Performance in Enhancing the Effectiveness of Teachers: Guidelines for Nominating Bodies and Candidates; organizing the preparation and distribution of various publicity and information material, e.g. brochures, posters, notices and letters of invitation to participate; inviting nominating bodies, e.g. multinationals, bilaterals, ministries of education or other relevant Ministries (gender, non-formal), NGOs, organizations and institutions drawn from the global community and directly involved in, or aware of, outstanding practice concerning teachers to nominate and recommend candidates; organizing meetings of the Jury; undertaking an initial elimination of non-eligible applications before forwarding dossiers for full evaluation to the Jury; contacting the prizewinners; organizing the Prize Ceremony (including travel and accommodation of prizewinners and UNESCO representatives); and working closely with UNESCO on the planning and implementation of the evaluation of the UNESCO-Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Prize for Outstanding Practice and Performance in Enhancing the Effectiveness of Teachers following the first Prize cycle. 7.2 Any costs incurred by UNESCO in contributing to the Prize (for example, travel costs of UNESCO staff, compensation for staff time, any additional communication/advocacy and hiring of temporary assistance if required to assist on Prize-related matters) will be entirely paid out of a Special Account established by UNESCO and funded by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum. Before the launch of the prize, the sum of $150,000 will be transferred to the Special Account.
Annex I page 3 8. Rules of Procedure The Jury shall develop Rules of Procedure in accordance with the UNESCO-Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Prize for Outstanding Practice and Performance in Enhancing the Effectiveness of Teachers: Guidelines for Nominating Bodies and Candidates. The Rules of Procedures cannot conflict with the provisions of the present UNESCO Statutes. These Rules of Procedure shall be submitted to the Director-General of UNESCO and to Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum for their approval. The Jury shall be assisted in the development by the Secretariat of the Prize. 9. Nomination of Candidates 9.1 A candidate shall be nominated on the basis of a letter sent by a nominating body, and nomination should be according to criteria for candidate eligibility. 9.2 The nominating bodies can be multinationals, bilaterals, ministries of education (or other relevant ministries), NGOs, organizations and institutions directly involved in, or aware of, outstanding practice concerning teachers. 9.3 Nominations must reach the Prize secretariat between May and July of the specified year. The deadline will be 31 July of the specified year. 9.4 The Jury shall meet between October and November of the same year to select the prizewinners and notify the Director-General and Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al- Maktoum of its choice. 10 Presentation of Candidates 10.1 The nominating bodies must provide a Letter of Nomination in support of each candidate setting out the following elements: 10.2 Information as to the professional/legal/financial status of the nominating body, including: (c) legal name and address; relevant statutes; full contact details, including name of a contact person. 10.3 The Letter of Nomination should also include information and documents concerning the candidate, including: (c) legal name and address; statutes; full contact details, including name of a contact person. 10.4 The Letter of Nomination must highlight the way in which the candidate fulfils the criteria as specified in the UNESCO-Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Prize for Outstanding Practice and Performance in Enhancing the Effectiveness of Teachers: Guidelines for Nominating Bodies and Candidates. Attached to the Letter of Nomination will be full documentation supporting the Candidate s nomination, in accordance with the Guidelines.
Annex I page 4 11. Procedure for the award of the Prize The secretariat of the Prize shall contact the prizewinners and organize their participation in the Prize ceremony. The Prize ceremony will take place in Dubai and will be presided over by the Director-General of UNESCO and Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum. 12. Amendments to the Statutes of the Prize Any amendments to the present Statutes shall be submitted to the Executive Board for its approval.
Annex II ANNEX II PROPOSED TEXT FOR FINANCIAL REGULATIONS OF THE SPECIAL ACCOUNT FOR THE UNESCO-HAMDAN BIN RASHID AL- MAKTOUM PRIZE FOR OUTSTANDING PRACTICE AND PERFORMANCE IN ENHANCING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TEACHERS (Ref. 161 EX/Decision 7.10) Article 1 Creation of a Special Account 1.1 In accordance with Article 6, paragraph 6, of the Financial Regulations of UNESCO, there is hereby created a Special Account for the UNESCO-Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Prize for Outstanding Practice and Performance in Enhancing the Effectiveness of Teachers, hereafter referred to as the Special Account. 1.2 The following regulations shall govern the operation of the Special Account. Article 2 Financial period The financial period shall correspond to that of UNESCO. Article 3 Purpose The amounts deposited in the Special Account shall be used to compensate for any costs incurred by UNESCO in contributing to the Prize (for example, travel costs of UNESCO staff and compensation for staff time, any additional communication/advocacy, hiring of temporary assistance if required to assist on Prize-related matters). Article 4 Income The income of the Special Account shall consist of: (c) (d) voluntary contributions from States, international agencies and organizations, as well as other entities; such amounts provided from the regular budget of the Organization as might be determined by the General Conference; such subventions, endowments, gifts and bequests as are allocated to it for purposes consistent with the object of the Special Account; miscellaneous income, including any interest earned on the investments referred to in Article 7 below. Article 5 Expenditure The Special Account shall be debited with the expenditure relating to its purpose as described in Article 3 above, including administrative expenses specifically relating to it. Article 6 Accounts 6.1 The UNESCO Comptroller shall maintain such accounting records as are necessary. 6.2 Any unused balance at the end of a financial period shall be carried forward to the following financial period.
Annex II page 2 6.3 The accounts of the Special Account shall be presented for audit to the External Auditor of UNESCO, together with the other accounts of the Organization. 6.4 Contributions in kind shall be recorded outside the Special Account. Article 7 Investments 7.1 The Director-General may make short-term investments of sums standing to the credit of the Special Account. 7.2 When feasible UNESCO will invest temporary surplus funds on short-term interest bearing deposits. Two thirds of any accrued interest will be credited to the Special Account and one third to UNESCO towards for administration and management commission in accordance with UNESCO s regulations and rules. Before the launch of the prize, the sum of US$150,000 will be transferred to the Special Account. Article 8 Closure of the Special Account 8.1 The Director-General shall decide upon the closure of the Special Account at such time as he deems that its operation is no longer necessary and inform the Executive Board accordingly. 8.2 The Director-General shall decide on the use of any unspent balance of funds. Article 9 General provision 9.1 Unless otherwise provided in these Regulations, the Special Account shall be administered in accordance with the Financial Regulations of UNESCO. Printed on recycled paper
Executive Board Hundred and eightieth session 180 EX/54 Corr. PARIS, 8 October 2008 Original: English Item 54 of the provisional agenda PROPOSAL FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE UNESCO-HAMDAN BIN RASHID AL-MAKTOUM PRIZE FOR OUTSTANDING PRACTICE AND PERFORMANCE IN ENHANCING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TEACHERS CORRIGENDUM Annex I: Article 3, the title and paragraphs should read as follows (insertions underlined): 3. Frequency, number and geographical distribution of the Prize 3.1 Every two years, the Prize shall be awarded to three candidates who have proven achievement in enhancing performance and effectiveness of teachers in developing countries, or within marginalized or disadvantaged communities, from the wider global context. 3.2 After a period of six years, the Director-General together with the donor will undertake a review of all aspects of the Prize and decide on its continuation or termination. The Director-General will inform UNESCO s Executive Board of the results of this review. Annex I: Article 6, the title and paragraphs should read as follows (insertions underlined): 6. Jury 6.1 The Jury shall be composed of: three permanent members who shall be: the representative of the Director- General of UNESCO, a representative of the Board of Trustees of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Award for Distinguished Academic Performance, and a General Coordinator. The General Coordinator (GC) will have educational, administrative and leadership experience and a high level of professional credibility in a relevant field. He/she will participate in the selection of non-permanent Jury members, chair the Jury and undertake advocacy, administrative and logistical duties as appropriate. His/her appointment will be through common agreement of UNESCO and the Board of Trustees of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Award; and
Corr. page 2 five non-permanent members, who shall be distinguished professionals with a high level of knowledge and experience of teacher-related issues. The Jury membership should reflect the global nature of the Prize, with geographical representation of all UNESCO regions (Africa, Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and North America, and Latin America and the Caribbean). Gender balance will also be a key consideration. 6.2 Representatives and alternates of Members of the Executive Board cannot be appointed as jurors. Jurors involved in a real or potential conflict of interest shall recuse themselves from further deliberations or be asked by the Director-General to do so. 6.32 The Director-General of UNESCO shall be the Honorary President of the Jury. 6.43 The Jury shall meet twice in each biennium, once for induction and once for evaluation of all Prize submissions. Printed on recycled paper