#Hong Kong #Yidan Prize #Paul Glewwe #Susan Walker

Yidan Prize 2026 Recognizes Changing Agents in Education and Development

The Yidan Prize Foundation made headlines on September 4, 2026, with an announcement that honors transformative leaders in the realms of education, health, nutrition, and the economy. At a press conference held in Hong Kong, the winners of the Yidan Prize 2026 were unveiled, corresponding with the tenth anniversary of this prestigious accolade that acknowledges global change-makers in education.

Highlighting Significant Contributions to Education
Under the guidance of Andreas Schleicher, the Director of Education and Skills at the OECD, an independent evaluation committee selected Professor Paul W. Glewwe as the recipient of the Yidan Prize 2026 for Educational Research. His work focuses on overcoming learning barriers through effective policy formulation and evidence-based interventions. Glewwe's research targets the potential of children in vulnerable communities, facilitating healthier and more prosperous futures.

In addition, the committee awarded the Yidan Prize 2026 for Educational Development to a trio of distinguished women: Professor Susan P. Walker, Professor Sally Grantham-McGregor, and Dr. Susan M. Chang-Lopez. They were recognized for developing a groundbreaking evidence-based model of early childhood care that dramatically alters developmental trajectories for children in underserved and displaced communities.

Financial Support for Future Growth

Each laureate of the Yidan Prize receives an impressive grant totaling 30 million Hong Kong dollars (about 3.8 million U.S. dollars). This prize includes 15 million Hong Kong dollars in cash and an unrestricted project funding of 15 million Hong Kong dollars, designed to further innovate and extend their ongoing work. Since its inception in 2017, the Yidan Prize Foundation has allocated a substantial total of 600 million Hong Kong dollars (approximately 77 million U.S. dollars) to 25 awardees, supporting efforts across nearly 60 countries and regions.

Dr. Charles CHEN Yidan, the founder of the Yidan Prize, emphasized, "The collective work and impact of our laureates over the last decade has turned the Yidan Prize into a beacon guiding the future of global education. Each winner reaffirms our commitment, contributes transformative ideas, and expands the ways we shape the future of education."

Recognition of Scientific Rigor and its Impact

Professor Paul Glewwe's research extends beyond traditional school inputs, illustrating how socio-economic conditions, health, and nutritional elements significantly influence child learning outcomes. He played a vital role in incorporating literacy and numeric reasoning assessments into World Bank household surveys, shedding light on the intricate link between poverty, inequality, and education. His pioneering use of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess educational programs and policies has allowed governments and development organizations to strategically allocate resources toward initiatives proven to enhance learning.

Dr. Elizabeth M. King, chair of the Yidan Prize jury for Educational Research, lauded Paul’s contributions, stating, "Transforming educational systems and outcomes requires an unwavering scientific rigor fused with a genuine commitment to improve lives. Glewwe's work has provided the evidence necessary for governments to invest wisely, equipped teachers with effective instructional tools, and offered millions of disadvantaged children a pathway to learn, thrive, and break free from the cycle of intergenerational poverty."

Engaging Caregivers for Childhood Development

The collaborative team of Professor Walker, Professor Grantham-McGregor, and Dr. Chang-Lopez was awarded for their early intervention program, 'Reach Up.' This model focuses on empowering caregivers to foster early childhood development through culturally adaptable, low-cost activities integrated into daily routines. By supporting caregivers from birth to four years old, Reach Up significantly enhances cognitive development through increased interaction and engagement. Today, the program operates in over 21 countries across the Caribbean, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, leveraging existing healthcare, social protection, education, and humanitarian systems for effective outreach.

Dorothy K. Gordon, chair of the jury for Educational Development, praised the winners for their impactful work, saying, "Reach Up provides children with a fair start in life, enabling equitable learning opportunities. The laureates have showcased that lasting change is attainable through evidence, collaboration, and local leadership. Their global impact is tied to the quality and rigor of their interdisciplinary research, alongside well-designed interventions."

Shaping the Future of Education at the Yidan Prize Summit 2026

The 2026 laureates will participate in an engaging three-day conference at the Yidan Prize Summit scheduled for December 3-5, 2026, in Hong Kong. Building on last year’s discussions about the future of education, this summit aims to reimagine educational ecosystems driven by human connection, creativity, and deep learning amidst the rise of artificial intelligence (AI).

The ceremony for the Yidan Prize 2026 will conclude the event, where recipients will formally receive their prestigious awards.

About the Yidan Prize Foundation

The Yidan Prize stands at the forefront of global education recognition, honoring innovators whose research and development efforts transform lives and societal structures. Each award comprises a gold medal and a total of 30 million Hong Kong dollars, split between cash and project funding to assist laureates in advancing their impactful initiatives. Founded in 2016, the Yidan Prize Foundation actively works towards a brighter world through education, fostering a global community of change agents—including researchers, professionals, policymakers, and philanthropists—who collectively advocate for excellence, set industry standards, and facilitate systemic change.

For further details, visit yidanprize.org or contact [email protected]. Connect with us on our social media platforms @YidanPrize on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.