World Future Policy Award 2027: Call for Nominations for Education for Sustainable Development in Cities

The World Future Council (WFC) has opened nominations for the World Future Policy Award (WFPA) 2027, focusing on Education for Sustainable Development in Cities. The prestigious global policy award seeks outstanding laws, policies, provisions and frameworks that use education, lifelong learning and community participation to help cities become more inclusive, sustainable, resilient and peaceful.

Unlike awards that primarily recognise individual personalities, the World Future Policy Award focuses on exemplary policy solutions that can inspire governments, communities and decision-makers around the world. The 2027 edition is particularly interested in policies that demonstrate how cities and communities can empower people of different ages and backgrounds to participate meaningfully in sustainable urban development.

The call is open to nominations from a broad range of organisations and stakeholders, including international organisations, governments, government agencies, parliaments, academia, non-governmental organisations, Indigenous communities, local communities and other relevant actors. Policies may operate at national, regional, subnational or local levels.

Nomination deadline: 31 October 2026.

About the World Future Policy Award 2027

The World Future Policy Award is presented by the World Future Council to raise international awareness of policies that provide effective solutions to major challenges facing present and future generations.

The award aims to identify and showcase policies that are not only effective in their original contexts but also have the potential to inspire action elsewhere. According to the World Future Council, the award’s mission is to raise global awareness of exemplary policies while educating and inspiring policymakers, civil society and the wider public.

For 2027, the award turns its attention to the relationship between education, sustainable development and cities.

This focus recognises that cities are increasingly at the centre of environmental, social, technological and economic transformation. As urban populations grow and societies face increasingly complex challenges, cities need approaches that allow residents to acquire the knowledge, skills and values required to participate in creating sustainable futures.

The World Future Council is therefore looking for policies that demonstrate how education and learning can become an integral part of urban development.

What Is Education for Sustainable Development in Cities?

Education for Sustainable Development, commonly known as ESD, seeks to equip individuals and communities with the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes needed to make informed decisions and contribute to sustainable development.

Within cities, this concept extends beyond traditional classrooms and formal education systems.

It can include:

• Community-based learning.
• Lifelong learning programmes.
• Intergenerational learning.
• Environmental education.
• Digital inclusion.
• Civic education and participation.
• Skills development for sustainable lifestyles.
• Community engagement in local decision-making.
• Learning initiatives supporting climate action.
• Programmes that promote inclusive and equitable urban development.

The 2027 World Future Policy Award is particularly interested in policies that demonstrate how these approaches can be embedded into the way cities are governed and developed.

The World Future Council notes that cities can create inclusive, lifelong and intergenerational learning opportunities that allow residents to contribute to sustainable, regenerative and just futures.

Why Cities Are Central to Sustainable Development

Cities face many of the world’s most significant development challenges, but they are also important places where solutions can be tested and implemented.

Rapid urbanisation, technological change, environmental pressures and social inequalities are changing the way people live and interact with their communities. These developments create an urgent need for urban populations to have access to learning opportunities that enable them to understand challenges and participate in solutions.

Education can help residents:

• Understand environmental and climate-related challenges.
• Adopt more sustainable lifestyles.
• Participate in local decision-making.
• Develop digital skills.
• Engage with public institutions.
• Understand their rights and responsibilities.
• Contribute to community development.
• Support inclusive and peaceful communities.
• Adapt to technological and economic changes.
• Build stronger relationships between generations.

The award therefore recognises that sustainable cities cannot be created solely through infrastructure, technology or environmental regulation. People also need opportunities to learn, participate and shape the future of their communities.

Key Areas of Policy the Award Is Looking For

The World Future Council has identified several areas of particular interest for the 2027 award.

1. Greening Cities

The first focus area is policies that support the greening of cities through community-based learning and participation.

This could include policies that help residents understand and participate in:

• Urban environmental protection.
• Climate action.
• Sustainable transportation.
• Urban agriculture.
• Biodiversity conservation.
• Green public spaces.
• Sustainable waste management.
• Energy efficiency.
• Nature-based solutions.
• Sustainable urban planning.

The strongest nominations are likely to demonstrate how learning and public participation contribute to measurable environmental improvements.

2. Digital Inclusion Strategies

Digital technologies increasingly influence access to education, employment, public services and civic participation.

The award therefore welcomes policies addressing digital inclusion, particularly where such policies help communities overcome barriers to participation.

Relevant policies could involve:

• Digital literacy.
• Access to digital learning.
• Digital skills development.
• Affordable access to technology.
• Inclusive digital public services.
• Digital opportunities for disadvantaged communities.
• Programmes supporting older people or marginalised groups.
• Community-based digital education.

A strong policy could demonstrate how digital inclusion allows residents to participate more effectively in sustainable urban development.

3. Civic Participation and Participatory Budgeting

The third highlighted area concerns civic participation, with particular attention to participatory budgeting.

Participatory budgeting gives residents opportunities to participate in decisions concerning the allocation of public resources.

Policies in this area may demonstrate how cities educate and empower residents to:

• Understand public budgets.
• Identify community priorities.
• Participate in decision-making.
• Propose projects.
• Deliberate with other community members.
• Monitor implementation.
• Hold local institutions accountable.

Such approaches can transform residents from passive recipients of public services into active participants in shaping their communities.

What Makes a Strong Policy Nomination?

The World Future Council has identified several characteristics that it wants to see in nominated policies.

Transformative

The policy should demonstrate meaningful potential to change the way communities address sustainable development.

Innovative

Nominations should showcase creative approaches that provide new or particularly effective ways of connecting education, learning and sustainable urban development.

Inspiring

The policy should provide lessons that can motivate other cities, communities or policymakers to take action.

Inclusive

The World Future Council is particularly interested in approaches that recognise diverse perspectives and ensure that different communities can participate.

Replicable

One of the most important considerations is whether a policy can provide lessons for other places facing similar challenges.

The award specifically encourages nominations of policies that are replicable in similar contexts.

Indigenous and Local Community Policies Are Particularly Welcome

An important feature of the 2027 call is its emphasis on Indigenous and local communities.

The World Future Council is particularly interested in policies that reflect the perspectives, worldviews, cosmologies, cultural traditions and socio-legal perspectives of Indigenous and local communities.

This means that nominations do not have to rely exclusively on conventional government or mainstream educational approaches.

Policies that incorporate locally developed knowledge systems, cultural practices and community perspectives may be particularly relevant when they demonstrate how these approaches contribute to sustainable, inclusive and resilient communities.

What Types of Policies Can Be Nominated?

The World Future Council states that eligible policy instruments can include:

• Laws.
• Policies.
• Provisions.
• Frameworks.

These can operate at different levels, including:

• National.
• Subnational.
• Regional.
• Local.

This broad scope means that relevant examples do not necessarily have to be nationwide programmes.

A city policy, municipal framework, regional strategy or community-oriented legal provision may also be relevant if it demonstrates strong connections between education for sustainable development and urban or community development.

Who Can Submit a Nomination?

The call is open to nominations from representatives of a wide range of institutions and organisations.

The World Future Council specifically welcomes nominations from:

1. International organisations.
2. Academic institutions and researchers.
3. Non-governmental organisations.
4. Parliaments.
5. Governments.
6. Government agencies.
7. Indigenous communities.
8. Local communities.
9. Other relevant stakeholders.

This broad approach means that the opportunity is not restricted to government officials or policymakers alone. Organisations and institutions working with communities, education, sustainability, urban development and public policy can also identify and nominate relevant policies.

International Context of the Award

The 2027 focus is connected to broader international commitments concerning education, sustainability and future generations.

The World Future Council highlights the 1997 UNESCO Declaration of the Responsibilities of the Present Generations Toward Future Generations, which emphasises education as a means of promoting peace, justice, tolerance and equality for present and future generations.

The award also connects strongly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly:

• SDG 4: Quality Education, which focuses on inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, which focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

Education for Sustainable Development provides an important connection between these two areas by helping communities acquire the knowledge and capabilities needed to participate in sustainable urban transformation.

Partnership Behind the World Future Policy Award 2027

The 2027 World Future Policy Award is being developed with important international partners.

The World Future Council is working together with the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning works with UNESCO Member States on lifelong learning, learning ecosystems, skills for life and work, and inclusive learning. The institute also focuses on research, capacity-building, networking and publications relating to lifelong learning.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union is the global organisation of national parliaments and works on areas including democratic governance, human rights, gender equality, youth empowerment, climate action and sustainable development.

This partnership gives the award a strong connection to international policy, lifelong learning, parliamentary engagement and sustainable urban development.

Why This Award Matters

The World Future Policy Award is significant because it focuses on policy solutions rather than individual achievements.

Many cities around the world are experimenting with innovative approaches to sustainability, education and community participation. However, effective local policies can remain relatively unknown outside their immediate communities.

By identifying and showcasing exemplary policies, the award seeks to help successful approaches gain wider international attention.

A recognised policy can potentially provide useful lessons for policymakers in other cities and countries facing similar challenges.

The award therefore serves several purposes:

• Identifying effective policy solutions.
• Raising international awareness.
• Sharing lessons between cities and communities.
• Encouraging policymakers to take action.
• Highlighting innovative approaches.
• Supporting sustainable development.
• Promoting lifelong learning.
• Encouraging inclusive civic participation.
• Amplifying Indigenous and local perspectives.
• Demonstrating how policy can support future generations.

How to Prepare a Strong Nomination

Anyone considering submitting a nomination should carefully assess whether the policy demonstrates the characteristics sought by the World Future Council.

A strong nomination should clearly explain the policy and its relevance to the award theme.

Consider addressing the following questions:

1. What is the policy?

Clearly identify the law, policy, framework or provision being nominated.

Explain where it operates and which institution or authority is responsible for it.

2. What problem does it address?

Describe the social, environmental, educational or urban challenge that the policy was designed to address.

3. How does education or learning contribute?

Explain how the policy creates opportunities for people to learn, develop skills, participate or exchange knowledge.

4. Who benefits?

Identify the communities, residents, learners, organisations or groups affected by the policy.

5. Is the policy inclusive?

Explain how the policy addresses the needs and perspectives of different groups, including Indigenous and local communities where relevant.

6. What results has it achieved?

Where evidence is available, provide concrete information about outcomes and impact.

This might include improvements in participation, environmental outcomes, digital inclusion, education, community engagement or other measurable areas.

7. Can the approach be replicated?

Explain why the policy could provide useful lessons for other cities or communities.

8. What makes it innovative?

Highlight the elements that distinguish the policy from conventional approaches.

9. How is the policy transformative?

Explain how it has changed systems, institutions, behaviours, participation or community outcomes.

Nomination Deadline

The official nomination deadline for the World Future Policy Award 2027 is: 31 October 2026

Potential nominators should therefore begin preparing their submissions early rather than waiting until the final days of the call.

The World Future Council states that finalists are expected to be announced in May or June 2027. The winning policies will subsequently be celebrated at a high-level award ceremony held jointly with the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning during the International Conference on Learning Cities (ICLC) in 2027.

How to Apply or Submit a Nomination

The process is a nomination, rather than a conventional individual job or scholarship application.

Interested organisations, institutions and stakeholders should first review the official nomination criteria and then complete the nomination form.

The official World Future Council page provides the nomination form as well as translations of the nomination materials in Arabic, French, German, Hindi, Kiswahili, Portuguese and Spanish.

Before submitting, nominators should make sure that the proposed policy clearly relates to Education for Sustainable Development in Cities and demonstrates relevance to one or more of the priority areas.

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Key Details at a Glance

Detail	Information
Opportunity	World Future Policy Award 2027
Theme	Education for Sustainable Development in Cities
Organiser	World Future Council
Key partners	UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning and Inter-Parliamentary Union
Focus	Sustainable development, lifelong learning and urban policy
Eligible nomination	Laws, policies, provisions and frameworks
Geographic scope	Global
Policy levels	National, subnational, regional and local
Key topics	Greening cities, digital inclusion and civic participation
Special focus	Indigenous and local communities
Nomination deadline	31 October 2026
Finalists announced	May or June 2027
Award ceremony	International Conference on Learning Cities in 2027

Important Tip for Potential Nominators

Do not focus solely on describing a policy.

A stronger nomination should demonstrate why the policy matters, what it has achieved and why other communities could learn from it.

In particular, nominators should connect the policy to the central idea of empowering people through lifelong and intergenerational learning. The strongest examples are likely to show a clear relationship between learning, community participation and sustainable urban outcomes.

It is also useful to demonstrate evidence of implementation rather than presenting only a theoretical policy proposal. Evidence of community involvement, measurable results, institutional adoption, innovation and potential for replication can make a nomination more compelling.

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Conclusion

The World Future Policy Award 2027: Education for Sustainable Development in Cities provides an important international platform for highlighting policies that place learning, participation and people at the centre of sustainable urban development.

As cities confront rapid urbanisation, environmental pressures, technological change and growing social complexity, education can play a critical role in helping communities understand challenges and participate in building solutions.

The 2027 award is particularly relevant to policies focused on greening cities, digital inclusion and civic participation, including participatory budgeting. It also provides an important opportunity to showcase Indigenous and local approaches that reflect diverse cultural, social and legal perspectives.

Because the award recognises policies rather than simply individuals, it offers governments, municipalities, organisations, academic institutions, Indigenous communities and other stakeholders an opportunity to bring effective policy solutions to international attention.

Organisations and stakeholders with a strong policy example should review the criteria carefully and consider submitting a nomination before the 31 October 2026 deadline. The finalists are expected to be announced in May or June 2027, with the winning policies to be celebrated during the International Conference on Learning Cities in 2027.

For communities working to create more sustainable, inclusive, resilient and peaceful cities, the World Future Policy Award 2027 represents an opportunity to demonstrate how education and lifelong learning can become powerful tools for sustainable urban transformation.

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