The top 10 finalists in the Varkey Foundation's $1million Global Teacher Prize were announced in a special video by philanthropist Bill Gates. 

The top 10 finalists were chosen from more than 30,000 applicants and nominees in 173 countries around the world,  including the Philippines, UK, US, Brazil, Australia, Norway, South Africa, Colombia, Belgium and Turkey. 

While announcing the list of finalists, Bill Gates went ahead and thanked Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai.

In the video, Bill Gates emphasized the role of education in a society saying, "Education is like a master switch, one that opens up all sorts of opportunities for individuals and societies. Research shows that having a great teacher can determine whether students get a great education." 

He then went ahead to announced the names of the ten finalists for this year's Global Teacher Prize.  

Bill Gates in the video made a special note to thank Sheikh Mohammed. "For his patronage of the prize, thank you to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai," Gates said in the video.

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