Awarded and finalist initiatives of the 2026 Educating Cities Award

The international jury of the 2026 Educating Cities Award focused on “Education as a source of inclusion and social cohesion”, has concluded its deliberations.

The 61 applications received from 48 cities across10 countries confirm the commitment of local governments to building more equitable, participatory, and cohesive communities through education.

After an exhaustive analysis, the jury has selected the three winning initiatives, which stand out for their transformative impact, their ability to foster genuine inclusion, and their potential to be replicated in other urban contexts:

• Lousada (Portugal): “Biogenerations” Environmental Education Program: Nature Bringing Generations Together
• Medellín (Colombia): Parceros
• São Paulo (Brazil): Operation for Work Program (POT) – School Meals Guardians and School Outreach Guardians

In addition, seven finalist initiatives were recognized for their quality and innovation, earning a special mention:

• Gunsan (South Korea): Outreach Community Culture Cafe Project
• Madrid (Spain): The Fifth Kitchen
• Passo Fundo (Brazil): School of Professions
• Rosario (Argentina): Digital Stations
• San Justo (Argentina): Acompañar Program: Lifelong Learning
• Turin (Italy): Play it Again, Sam
• Viladecans (Spain): School for New Opportunities

The official award ceremony will take place on May 29 in Granollers, within the framework of the 18th International Congress of Educating Cities. This event will provide a key opportunity to highlight these inspiring projects and to acknowledge the dedication of the teams who work every day to ensure educational opportunities for all.