The Varkey Foundation, founded by Sunny Varkey in 2010, emerged from the Global Education Management Systems (GEMS) Education, a network of international schools established to provide high-quality education worldwide. The foundation was created to address global educational challenges, focusing on improving educational standards, access, and opportunities for underprivileged children. Its mission is to build sustainable and scalable education models that can be replicated in various countries, particularly in developing regions. The foundation aims to empower teachers, support education innovation, and advocate for global education reform through partnerships and collaborations with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
 

One of the Varkey Foundation's most notable initiatives is the Global Teacher Prize, launched in 2014 to honor exceptional educators who have made significant contributions to their profession and communities. This US$1 million award aims to elevate the status of teachers worldwide, celebrating their pivotal role in shaping future generations. Additionally, the foundation has implemented various projects, such as the Teacher Training Program in Uganda and the MENA Common Core State Standards initiative, to improve educational quality and accessibility. Through these efforts, the Varkey Foundation continues to drive progress towards achieving inclusive and equitable education for all, in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.