The UNESCO-Japan Prize on Education for Sustainable Development recognises the role of education in connecting the social, economic, cultural and environmental dimensions of sustainable development.

Nominations are invited from institutions, organisations or other entities engaged in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Nominations must focus on a specific ESD project or programme that:

• Is ongoing and have been running for at least four years.
• Shows presence of evidence of results and a high impact relative to the invested resources.
• Is replicable and scalable.
• Contributes to one or more of the five priority action areas of the ESD for 2030 framework: advancing policy; transforming learning and training environments; developing capacities of educators and trainers; mobilising youth; and accelerating sustainable solutions at local level.

The jury is looking particularly for innovative projects/programmes that address equally the economic, environmental and social dimension of sustainability and already show proof that the project/programme has led to individual and societal change.

Nominations can be submitted to the Director-General of UNESCO by Governments of Member States via their Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, and by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) or foundations in official partnership with UNESCO. Each Permanent Delegation, NGO or foundation can make up to three nominations for any edition of the Prize. Self-nominations are not accepted.