Join UNESCO REF's global network of partners advancing education, culture, and science through collaborative action aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and AU Agenda 2063.
Introduction
UNESCO REF invites applications from national and international organizations committed to advancing education, culture, and science in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union Agenda 2063.
We seek mission-driven institutional partners — NGOs, corporations, foundations, and civil society organizations — capable of delivering measurable impact through strategic collaboration with UNESCO REF flagship and tier-II programmes.
Strategic Alignment
Direct contribution to UN SDGs and AU Agenda 2063 through coordinated institutional action
Merit Based Selection
Rigorous evaluation ensuring partnerships with organizations demonstrating proven impact and capacity
Transparency & Accountability
Clear criteria, published timelines, and comprehensive due diligence processes
Global, Local Integration
Connecting international frameworks with grassroots implementation and community impact
UNESCO REF Programme Focus
Strategic collaboration opportunities aligned with national development priorities and global sustainability goals
"Institutional partners joining UNESCO REF contribute not only to global sustainable development frameworks but directly to Nigeria's national priorities in food security, economic empowerment, and poverty eradication. The Young Women in Agriculture programme exemplifies how targeted interventions can deliver measurable impact across multiple development goals simultaneously."
UNESCO REF Programme Development Office
SDG 17 recognizes that sustainable development requires strong partnerships between governments, the private sector, and civil society. UNESCO REF embodies this principle by creating a global network working together to achieve all 17 SDGs.
Application Tracks
Select the track that best matches your organization's legal status and partnership capacity
NGOs
National & International
- Window Oct 2 - Dec 24
- Duration 3, 5 years
- Requirement 5 years min.
- Decision Feb 2027
Corporate & Donors
Corporations, Foundations & Funding Partners
- Window Year round
- Duration Flexible
- Requirement CSR/ESG
- Decision 4, 6 weeks
Government
Sovereign Authorities
- Window Year round
- Duration Strategic
- Requirement UNESCO Conv.
- Decision 4, 8 weeks
All NGO applications must be submitted by December 24, 2026 at 11:59 PM WAT
Email submissions to: [email protected]
By The Numbers
Our institutional impact and global reach since establishment
Download Partnership Overview
Get a comprehensive one-page summary of UNESCO REF's institutional partnership framework
📄 Download One-Pager (PDF)Partnership Benefits
Approved partners gain access to UNESCO REF's global platform and institutional resources
Global Recognition
Official UNESCO REF partner designation with visibility across international platforms, conferences, and publications.
Network Access
Integration into UNESCO REF's ecosystem of 150+ institutional partners, educators, policymakers, and innovators.
Capacity Enhancement
Access to training programmes, technical resources, knowledge repositories, and UNESCO REF's institutional expertise.
Impact Measurement
Joint monitoring frameworks demonstrating measurable SDG and AU Agenda 2063 contributions with global reporting.
Brand Alignment
Association with UNESCO's global authority in education, science, and culture with co-branding opportunities.
Resource Mobilization
Potential access to UNESCO REF funding mechanisms, donor networks, and co-financing opportunities.
Policy Influence
Platform to contribute to policy dialogue at national, regional, and international levels.
SDG 17 Leadership
Recognition as an active contributor to global partnership goals and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Eligibility at a Glance
| Criterion | Track A (NGOs) | Track B (Corporate) | Track C (Government) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Status | CRITICALMin. 5 years registration | Valid business registration | Sovereign/sub-national authority |
| Financial Accountability | CRITICAL2 years audited statements (UNESCO REF may provide funds) | Not required (funding partners) | Not required (funding partners) |
| SDG Alignment | CRITICALDocumented SDG evidence | CSR/ESG mandate | Policy alignment with UNESCO REF |
| Governance | REQUIREDBoard of Trustees/Directors | Corporate governance structure | Official authorization letter |
| Track Record | REQUIRED3-5 years project portfolio | Partnership history | National development plan |
| References | REQUIRED2 institutional references | 2 professional references | Ministerial endorsement |
Application Timeline (Track A - NGOs)
Track B and C applications are processed on a rolling basis within 4-8 weeks
Application Submission
October 2 - December 24, 2026
Download forms, complete all sections, compile supporting documents, submit to [email protected]
Acknowledgment & Initial Review
December 26, 2026 - January 10, 2027
Receipt confirmation within 5 business days. Administrative completeness check and document verification.
Due Diligence Assessment
January 11 - February 15, 2027
Partnership Committee evaluates legal documentation, SDG alignment, impact evidence, and organizational capacity.
Decision Notification
February 16-28, 2027
Email notification with outcome: Approved, Conditionally Approved, Pending, or Declined (with feedback).
Partnership Formalization
March - May 2027
MoU development, implementation planning, resource commitment agreements, legal review, signing ceremony.
Official Partnership Launch
June 2027
Public announcement, partner onboarding, integration into UNESCO REF network, programme implementation begins.
🌍 UNESCO REF Expression of Interest (EOI)
FOR PARTNERSHIPS & PROGRAMME SUBSCRIPTIONS
Complete this EOI if you want to: (1) Establish institutional partnerships with UNESCO REF, or (2) Subscribe to UNESCO REF programmes (EFFS, School Networks, etc.). Available for Corporate/Donors, Government, Schools, Universities (Active Now) | NGOs (Opens Oct 2, 2026).
ℹ️ IMPORTANT, TWO APPLICATION PURPOSES:
- Institutional Partnership: For strategic collaboration, funding partnerships, and co-implementation
- Programme Subscription: For schools/universities wanting to join EFFS, School Networks, or other programmes
Click above to download/save this form as PDF, complete it, and email to [email protected]
Section 1: Organizational Profile
Section 2: Mission & Alignment
Please indicate how your organization's priorities align with UNESCO REF's vision in education, culture, science, youth, and gender. Specify which flagship programme(s) you wish to support:
Section 3: Please Specify Area of Interest
Please identify the area(s) your organization wishes to collaborate on:
Section 4: Capacity & Resources, Please Specify
Please specify the resources and capacities your organization can contribute:
Section 5: Governance & Compliance, Please Specify
Please specify any governance frameworks, compliance standards, or certifications your organization adheres to:
Section 6: Impact & Sustainability, Please Specify
Please specify the expected impact outcomes and sustainability measures your organization proposes:
Section 7: Declaration, Please Specify
📌 IMPORTANT: After completing this form, print/save as PDF and email to [email protected] along with required supporting documents.
Download Forms & Documents
Start with the EOI for partnerships, programme subscriptions, or volunteer service. Programme Registration Forms are for detailed enrollment after initial approval.
📋 Expression of Interest (EOI)
For institutional partnerships and programme subscriptions (EFFS, School Networks)
📝 Programme Registration Forms
Detailed enrollment forms (sent after EOI approval for programme subscriptions, or available directly for individual participants)
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about the application process and partnership requirements
Application Support
UNESCO REF Partnership Office
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (WAT)