Rouble Nagi was honoured with the Global Teacher Prize 2026 for transforming slums through art-led education and reducing dropout rates.

DUBAI: Indian educator Rouble Nagi has been awarded the Global Teacher Prize 2026, receiving the prestigious US$1 million award from H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum during a ceremony at the World Governments Summit.

The event, held in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, recognised Nagi’s exceptional contributions to community-based education through her foundation’s unique use of art as a teaching tool. Selected from over 5,000 nominations across 139 countries, Nagi’s initiatives have helped more than one million children access formal education.

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Nagi is the founder of the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation, which operates over 800 centres in low-income communities across India. Her “Living Walls of Learning” concept turns neglected urban spaces into interactive classrooms that teach core subjects and raise awareness of public health and environmental issues.

Sheikh Hamdan praised the vital role of teachers in shaping future generations. “Teaching remains one of humanity’s noblest professions. Teachers are a central source of inspiration, guiding students and instilling values that shape society,” he said.

Nagi has also trained over 600 educators and volunteers, creating a scalable model that supports out-of-school children and improves long-term retention. Her programmes have reduced dropout rates by more than 50 percent in areas of operation.

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She plans to invest the prize money into building a vocational institute that will offer free training in professional skills and digital literacy to underserved youth.

The Global Teacher Prize is presented by GEMS Education in partnership with the Varkey Foundation and UNESCO. It honours outstanding educators worldwide who make a transformative impact on their communities.

Nagi’s recognition places her among a distinguished list of global educators committed to inclusive, innovative, and sustainable education.