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| 9 Sep 2025 | |
| Global Schools Prize Council |
Ms Stefania Giannini was appointed UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education in May 2018.
A prominent figure in global education, she provides strategic vision and leadership in coordinating and monitoring the implementation of the Education 2030 Agenda to ensure education remains a top priority on the world’s political agenda.
Leading a team of 1,000 staff, she has strengthened UNESCO’s role in the global education architecture, advancing more effective multilateral cooperation and driving a renewed push for better and more equitable education financing.
A staunch advocate for inclusive and innovative education, she reaffirmed UNESCO’s global leadership during the historic disruption of education due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and at the 2022 United Nations Transforming Education Summit that was organized in its wake.
Believing that partnership is the new leadership, Stefania Giannini has mobilized action-driven coalitions such as the Global Education Coalition, connecting over 200 private and public partners, focusing on digital learning and AI in education, and the Greening Education Partnership, which brings together nearly 100 countries and 1,600 organizations.
With an academic background in the Humanities and a PhD in Linguistics, Ms Giannini served as Rector of the University for Foreigners of Perugia (2004-2012). As Minister of Education, Universities and Research of the Republic of Italy (2014-2016), she led significant reforms centered on social inclusion and cultural awareness. She also served as Senator of the Republic (2013-2018).
Recognized for her thought-leadership and strategic acumen, Stefania Giannini is frequently invited to serve on high-level committees and advisory boards, providing guidance and expertise on key policy and organizational matters.
“The Global Schools Prize celebrates the ideas and innovations that are transforming education. Around the world, schools are reimagining what is possible – finding new ways to inspire curiosity, strengthen resilience, and unlock the potential of every learner. By sharing these breakthroughs on a global stage, the prize reminds us that the power of education lies not only in knowledge, but in the creativity and collaboration that drive progress.”