Celebrating Excellence in Education: The Global Teacher Prize 2026
A Momentous Occasion
In an inspiring ceremony at the World Governments Summit 2026, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, along with His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, recognized Rouble Nagi, an exemplary teacher from India, as the recipient of the Global Teacher Prize 2026. This prestigious award, valued at $1 million and presented by GEMS Education, honors teachers who have made significant contributions to education worldwide.
Recognizing the Role of Educators
Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the vital role teachers play in shaping future generations. He stated that honoring educators is a testament to their lasting impact on society, where they inspire a love of learning and instill essential values. “Teachers are a central source of inspiration for students, guiding them towards a better life and instilling in them the values and ethics that shape society,” he remarked, highlighting the nobility of the teaching profession.
A Distinguished Gathering
The award ceremony saw the presence of prominent figures, including His Excellency Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council, and Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, among other dignitaries. Their attendance underscored the importance of education in developing not only individuals but society as a whole.
Honoring a Dedicated Teacher
Rouble Nagi was recognized for her innovative approach to education. Over the past two decades, she has transformed neglected walls into interactive murals that teach essential subjects such as reading, writing, arithmetic, public health, and environmental awareness. Her work has notably helped integrate over one million children into formal education, utilizing artistic methods as a means for learning.
Building Educational Foundations
Through the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation, Nagi has established more than 800 educational centers across India, creating safe learning environments in over 100 low-income communities. These centers serve out-of-school children, guiding them back to formal education while supporting those already enrolled through remedial programs and creative activities.
Nagi’s initiative, dubbed ‘Living Walls of Learning,’ aims to convert abandoned walls into vibrant classrooms. She actively engages with children in these centers while also mentoring the teachers leading them. Her efforts have resulted in the recruitment and training of over 600 teachers and volunteers, establishing a scalable model that addresses various educational, social, and economic needs.
Impacting Educational Outcomes
The programs spearheaded by Nagi have effectively reduced school dropout rates by more than 50% and have significantly enhanced long-term educational retention. With the $1 million prize, she plans to create a vocational institute offering free training in professional skills and digital literacy, which aims to transform the futures of countless underprivileged children and youth.
A Global Network of Inspiration
The Global Teacher Prize, organized by the Varkey Foundation in partnership with UNESCO and presented during the World Governments Summit, serves as a vast international platform acknowledging the extraordinary contributions of educators. Rouble Nagi was selected from a pool of more than 5,000 nominations and applications across 139 countries, reflecting the global dedication to enhancing educational standards.
Finalists and Global Recognition
Among the notable finalists for the Global Teacher Prize included Adeola Olufunke from Nigeria, Alfonso Filippone from Italy, and Ana Revuelta from Spain, to name a few. Each of them represents a commitment to educational excellence and the transformative power of teaching.
This recognition not only celebrates Nagi’s achievements but also sheds light on the crucial role that educators play in facilitating learning and inspiring change within communities worldwide.
