Summary：**UNESCO Announces 2026 Al Fozan Prize to Boost Young STEM Stars in Global South** *UNESCO opens no

**UNESCO Announces 2026 Al Fozan Prize to Boost Young STEM Stars in Global South**

*UNESCO opens nominations for the 2026 Al Fozan International Prize, a flagship award designed to nurture emerging science, technology, engineering and mathematics talent across the Global South.*
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### Introduction
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has launched the call for nominations for the 2026 edition of the Al Fozan International Prize. Established in 2015 through a generous endowment from the Al Fozan Foundation, the award recognizes individuals under the age of 40 who have demonstrated exceptional promise in STEM fields while working or studying in low‑ and middle‑income countries. By spotlighting these rising stars, UNESCO aims to bridge the persistent innovation gap between the Global North and South.

### Key Developments
This year’s nomination window, open from 1 November 2024 to 31 January 2025, invites submissions from national academies, research institutions, and civil society organizations. Candidates must present a portfolio that includes peer‑reviewed publications, patented inventions, or community‑impact projects that address local challenges such as clean water access, renewable energy, or digital inclusion. The prize carries a cash award of US $50,000, a gold