The fields awarding committee members of the Khalifa International Award for Early Learning have expressed their pride in the significant global participation in the nomination process for the current session.

They noted the exceptional response from international institutions specialising in early childhood and researchers who submitted comprehensive nomination files addressing the most effective scientific and applied practices in early childhood care and empowerment worldwide.

The committee confirmed that applications would continue to be accepted from candidates globally via the designated website until 31st December.

A dedicated technical support team is ensuring the efficient and high-quality submission of candidates’ files, which will be reviewed by specialised Screening Committees.

This was discussed during a meeting held yesterday via Zoom, attended by prominent figures, including Professor Steven Barnett, Founding Director of the National Institute for Early Childhood Education Research at Rutgers University in the US and Chairman of the Awarding Committee, Professor Iram Siraj, Professor of Child Development and Education at the University of Oxford in the UK, Professor Nirmala Rao from the University of Hong Kong, Professor Jana Fleming, Director of the Early Childhood Development Department at the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, and Dr. Mira Al Kaabi, Advisor to the Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority and Head of Academic Affairs at the National Academy for Childhood Development.

Participants included Professor Steven Barnett, Founding Director of the National Institute for Early Childhood Education Research at Rutgers University in the US and Chairman of the Awarding Committee, Professor Iram Siraj, Professor of Child Development and Education at the University of Oxford in the UK, Professor Nirmala Rao from the University of Hong Kong, Professor Jana Fleming, Director of the Early Childhood Development Department at the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, and Dr. Mira Al Kaabi, Advisor to the Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority and Head of Academic Affairs at the National Academy for Childhood Development.

Amal Al-Afeefi, Secretary-General of the Khalifa Award for Education, underscored the importance of the meeting, which provided updates on efforts to enhance awareness, conduct workshops, and review submissions. She also highlighted the Award's participation in key events, including the Early Childhood Development Exhibition in Abu Dhabi and the Global Educational Supplies and Solutions Exhibition in Dubai.

Al-Afeefi emphasised that the Award represents a qualitative leap in the direction of caring for and empowering early childhood on local, regional, and international levels. It reflects the directives of the wise leadership regarding the care of this vital segment of society, fostering an environment conducive to healthy growth, talent discovery, and ongoing empowerment, ultimately preparing them to lead in the future.

Dr. Steven Barnett highlighted the significance of this phase as it marks the final stage for receiving submissions. The committees exchanged insights on evaluation processes, ensuring transparency and objectivity in assessing projects and initiatives in categories such as Best Research and Studies, and Best Programmes, Curricula, Teaching Methodologies and Practices.

Discussions during the meeting also focused on aligning submission reviews with the Khalifa Award for Education's mission to promote global excellence in early childhood care and innovative, future-oriented practices.