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The Medals began in 2022 with the Africa Education Medal, which grew to become Africa’s most prestigious education accolade and saw last year’s medallist honoured as one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025.
In 2024, they expanded to include the Latin America Education Medal and the Asia Education Medal, honouring changemakers where change is most needed.
This year, the World Education Medals have gone global. In recognition of the game-changing impact of AI on education, they now champion Leaders, Educators and Students everywhere who are harnessing AI to transform teaching and learning.
From a single regional award to a global movement celebrating education excellence
The World Education Medals began in 2022 with the launch of the Africa Education Medal. It grew to become Africa’s most prestigious education accolade, spotlighting leaders driving quality education across the continent. The first medallist, Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng of South Africa, is Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town and a global leader in mathematics education, advancing equity and excellence through multilingual learning and systemic change.
In 2023, the Africa Education Medal recognised Simi Nwogugu of Nigeria, Chief Executive Officer of JA Africa. Under her leadership, JA Africa has reached millions of young people across the continent through programmes in financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness, equipping Africa’s rapidly growing youth population with the skills to thrive in the future of work.
In 2024, the initiative expanded to include the Latin America Education Medal and the Asia Education Medal, marking a shift from a single-region focus to a broader regional approach that recognises changemakers where educational transformation is most urgently needed and amplifies their stories on a global stage. This momentum continued as the programme saw 2024’s Africa Education Medal medallist honoured as one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025.
In 2025, the World Education Medals went global. The programme evolved to recognise leaders, educators and students from around the world, reflecting the growing scale and ambition of the initiative and its relevance across education systems worldwide.
In recognition of the game-changing impact of Artificial Intelligence on education, the 2025 World Education Medals introduced a dedicated focus on AI. The Medals now champion innovators using AI to transform teaching and learning, close learning gaps, and drive positive social impact through ethical and purposeful use of technology.
Discover the extraordinary individuals transforming education around the world.
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