Indian teacher Rouble Nagi was awarded the $1 million GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2026 during the World Governments Summit in Dubai. Now in its 10th year, the Global Teacher Prize is an initiative of the Varkey Foundation organised in collaboration with UNESCO. It is considered the largest award of its kind in the world.
Nagi was presented the award by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
Rouble, who over the last two decades has helped bring more than one million children into the formal education system through the use of art, was selected from over 5,000 nominations and applications from 139 countries, according to a press statement.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said that honouring teachers reflects a deep appreciation for their role in society, noting that they leave a lasting impact on future generations and serve as role models who inspire a love of learning and a strong commitment to values. He added that the award recognises the essential role educators play in shaping a better future for societies.
Sheikh Hamdan said, “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. Teaching remains one of humanity’s noblest professions.”
Celebrating excellence in education 🏆
— Varkey Foundation (@VarkeyFdn) February 5, 2026
Rouble Nagi, winner of the 2026 @GEMS_ME @TeacherPrize, with Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Global Teacher Prize and GEMS Education, and Chairman of the Varkey Foundation.#GlobalTeacherPrize #TeachersMatter @UNESCO @ROUBLENAGI pic.twitter.com/NckUJYGWm5
Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Global Teacher Prize, GEMS Education, and The Varkey Foundation, said: “Rouble Nagi represents the very best of what teaching can be – courage, creativity, compassion, and an unwavering belief in every child’s potential. By bringing education to the most marginalised communities, she has not only changed individual lives, but strengthened families and communities. Her work reminds us that teachers are the most powerful force for progress in our world.”
Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, said: “Congratulations, Rouble. This moment reminds us of a simple truth: teachers matter. UNESCO is honoured to join the Global Teacher Prize in celebrating teachers like you, who, through patience, determination, and belief in every learner, help children into school – an act that can change the course of a life. It affirms the right to learn, to dream, and to build a future with possibility.”
WINNING MOMENT 🏆
— Global Teacher Prize (@TeacherPrize) February 5, 2026
Watch as Indian educator Rouble Nagi is announced the winner of the 2026 GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize!
Rouble received the trophy from Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Global Teacher… pic.twitter.com/MSIGlKOotI
Through her organisation, Rouble Nagi Art Foundation (RNAF), Rouble has established more than 800 learning centres across India – safe, inspiring spaces in over 100 underserved communities and villages where children who have never attended school can begin structured learning and be guided back into mainstream education. The centres also support children already enrolled in school, providing remedial education, emotional safety, and creative enrichment.
Central to Rouble’s work is her innovative concept of “Living Walls of Learning”. She transforms abandoned walls into open-air, interactive murals that teach literacy, numeracy, science, hygiene, history, environmental awareness, and social responsibility. These murals are not decorative artworks, but open-air classrooms that draw children into learning, engage parents, and turn entire neighbourhoods into partners in education.
Nagi travels extensively across India, working directly with children in educational centres and mentoring the teachers who lead them. She has recruited and trained more than 600 teachers and volunteers, creating a scalable model that responds to children’s educational, social and economic needs.
The programmes led by this distinguished teacher have succeeded in reducing school dropout rates by more than 50 percent and significantly improving long-term educational retention. Nagi plans to allocate the US$1 million prize to establish a vocational institute offering free training in professional skills and digital literacy, with the aim of creating a genuine transformation in life opportunities for millions of underprivileged children and youth.
The list of ten finalists for the prize included: Adeola Olufunke (Nigeria), Alfonso Filippone (Italy), Ana Revuelta (Spain), Colleen O’Rourke (Australia), Ewa Drobek (Poland), Gloria Cisneros (Argentina), Jasmyn Wright (USA), Joshue Paternina (Colombia), and Timothy Stiven (USA).
