SEAMEO-Japan ESD Award

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As schools are uniquely positioned to prepare learners for equitable, resilient, and sustainable futures, they serve as community hubs where values, relationships, and a shared sense of responsibility are cultivated, alongside the knowledge, skills, and agency needed to drive sustainable development within communities and beyond.

In the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies, schools have access to powerful tools that open new possibilities for learning and well-being. When used thoughtfully and ethically, these tools not only foster critical thinking, creativity, and ethical judgment but equally important can strengthen human connections, positive relationships, and the well-being of learners and their communities.

This year's SEAMEO-Japan ESD Award "Learning and Well-being for Sustainable Futures: Leveraging the Power of AI" draws on the full breadth of Education for Sustainable Development, recognising that ESD-aligned initiatives — whether addressing environmental stewardship, climate resilience, social equity, or community health — all contribute to the shared goal of sustainable futures. Within this broader ESD framework, the theme places particular emphasis on two closely interconnected dimensions of sustainable development: Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), which emphasises inclusive, equitable, and quality learning that fosters future-ready skills and supportive environments, and Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), which promotes physical, mental, and social well-being across all stages of life. Together, they affirm that quality learning and holistic well-being are inseparable foundations through which ESD creates lasting impact — extending beyond the classroom to shape healthier, more resilient, and sustainable future of communities.

Schools that have developed programmes reflecting this theme — leveraging AI tools to engage learners with real-world ESD challenges across environmental, social, and local contexts — are invited to submit their initiatives to the 2026 SEAMEO–Japan ESD Award. The Award recognises approaches that leverage AI and digital technologies to enhance learning and well-being in ways that are meaningful, ethical, and impactful for students, schools, and communities. More specifically, this year's Award aims to:

to promote learning and understanding of ESD and well-being in the age of AI through practical, action-oriented school programmes, including fostering learners' critical understanding of AI, its potential benefits, and its limitations;
to encourage collaboration among schools, families, and communities in addressing sustainability challenges within local contexts;
to support the sharing and exchange of effective ESD practices between Japan and Southeast Asia, strengthening knowledge, innovation, and collective learning;
to showcase exemplary school-based ESD initiatives from Southeast Asia and provide opportunities for wider recognition and international learning exchange.
Under the theme of “Learning and Well-being for Sustainable Futures: Leveraging the Power of AI”, the school entry should cover the following areas:

The entry should be relevant to the theme and within the scope of “Learning and Well-being for Sustainable Futures: Leveraging the Power of AI,” as defined above.
The school’s programme should be primarily student-led, with collaboration among teachers, other students, parents, and the wider community.
The programme should demonstrate continuity and impact. Both ongoing programmes and newly initiated programmes are eligible, provided they demonstrate clear impact or strong potential with early evidence.
The entry should demonstrate how the theme is meaningfully integrated into school practices and culture — including policies, planning, curriculum, teaching and learning, partnerships, and engagement with parents and the wider community.

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Prizes

1st Prize Winner

USD$1,000
A study tour to Japan for students and teachers involved in planning and implementing the school’s initiative for this award.
(The organiser will sponsor the travel expenses for six persons — two (2) teachers and four (4) students with meaningful involvement — including round-trip airfares, accommodation, domestic transportation in Japan, interpretation services, and visa fees).

2nd Prize Winner

• USD$600

3rd Prize Winner

• USD$400

All winning schools (1st–3rd prize) will receive a Plaque of Recognition, and Certificates of Appreciation will be presented to the teachers and students involved in planning and implementing the school’s initiative.
All winning schools may be invited to participate in a post-award webinar to share their ESD efforts.
All shortlisted schools will receive Certificate of Recognition for the school.
All participating schools that submit entries relevant to the theme will be recognised (school name, project title, and country) on the SEAMEO website and will receive one Certificate of Participation issued to the school.

Judging Criteria 

The judging committee will consider the following criteria in selecting the winning schools:

1. Strategy and Modality of Implementation (20%)

• The school demonstrates clear plans, policies, strategies, and programme components for effective implementation.
• Appropriate methods and resources are used to support implementation.
• Monitoring and evaluation processes are in place to track progress, assess outcomes, and support continuous improvement.
• Participatory processes involving students, teachers, parents, and community stakeholders are evident in planning and implementation.

2. Teaching and Learning Approaches (20%)

• The programme is integrated into teaching and learning practices and school activities.
• Learning experiences enable students to connect knowledge and skills to daily life, local environments, and community contexts.
• Teaching approaches encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and responsible decision-making.

3. Innovation and Creativity (20%)

• The programme demonstrates innovative practices aligned with the theme.
• Creative use of available resources enhances learning and programme effectiveness.

4. Engagement with the Community (15%)

• The school engages community partners such as neighbouring educational institutions, local authorities, and parent associations.
• The programme promotes public awareness and collective action related to the theme.
• Students actively contribute to community improvement and sustainable development through programme activities.

5. Impact and Sustainability (15%)

• Evidence demonstrates positive outcomes for students, teachers, parents, and the wider community.
• The school presents a clear plan to sustain, expand, or scale up the initiative.
• The initiative shows potential for replication or adaptation in other schools or contexts.

6. Interrelationship with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (10%)

• The school has demonstrated that the school’s programme has integrated the improvement of other SDGs, not the individual pursuit of each SDG, but has interrelation with other SDGs.

Contact Information 

Ms Chunkan Benchaporn
Programme Assistant, SEAMEO Secretariat
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.seameo.org

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