2026 Yidan Prize laureates announced in Hong Kong

Elizabeth M. King, head of the judging panel for the Yidan Prize for Education Research, said Glewwe's work has provided governments with evidence to make better education investments and given vulnerable children greater opportunities to learn and escape intergenerational poverty.

Meanwhile, Walker, Grantham-McGregor and Chang-Lopez were recognized for Reach Up, an evidence-based early childhood development program developed from their research in health and nutrition.

Their work highlighted the importance of early stimulation and high-quality interaction between caregivers and young children. Building on this evidence, Reach Up aims to strengthen caregivers' capacity to provide stimulation from birth to age four. The program uses low-cost, culturally adaptable activities based on everyday routines to help caregivers build the knowledge, skills and confidence to talk, play and respond to children in ways that support cognitive development.

The program is now implemented in more than 21 countries across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia and the Middle East through existing health, social protection, education and humanitarian systems. Its curriculum and materials are available free of charge and are regularly evaluated and adapted.

Dorothy K. Gordon, head of the Judging Panel for the Yidan Prize for Education Development, said Reach Up gives children a better chance of an equal start in learning, education and life.

"The laureates have demonstrated how lasting change can be achieved through a combination of evidence, partnership, and local leadership," Gordon said.

The 2026 laureates will attend the Yidan Prize Summit in Hong Kong from Dec 3 to 5. The summit will explore the changing role of education in the age of artificial intelligence, with a focus on human connection, creativity and deep learning.

The Yidan Prize, established in 2016, comprises two awards — the Yidan Prize for Education Research and the Yidan Prize for Education Development — recognizing work with lasting impact on education research and practice.

Nominations for the 2027 Yidan Prize will open on Oct 27 and close on March 2.