Press release | Global Sustainability Revolutionaries Win Top Prize at UN Sustainable Development Action Awards

Global Sustainability Revolutionaries Win Top Prize at UN Sustainable Development Action Awards

Plant for the Planet Initiatives, Creators of Gzhenge, Assume I Can and para-athlete Suvarna Raj honored for action and outstanding achievements in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

ROME, October 29, 2024 — Some of the world’s leading leaders in sustainable development were honored today at the UN SDG Action Awards, recognizing those who use creativity and innovation to advance a more sustainable, equitable and peaceful world.

This year’s call for proposals received a staggering 5,500 responses from 190 countries presenting new solutions and approaches to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each was judged by a high-level panel of judges and a technical review panel, which assessed their impact, scalability and innovation across three categories: creativity, impact and change. Nine finalists were selected, most of whom gathered in person in Rome to learn first-hand who would receive the Prize.

Supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and in partnership with the Italian broadcast network RAI, the ceremony brought together a diverse community of UN leaders and visionaries. artists, politicians and youth are all working to bring about meaningful change.

United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Administrator Achim Steiner congratulated the finalists for their outstanding efforts and commitment: “These pioneers are not simply fighting the symptoms of injustice and planetary crisis. They fight courageously against their root causes. They are also visionary equality advocates who drive positive change.”

The winners of the 2024 UN Sustainable Development Action Awards were announced at a commemorative ceremony dedicated to the theme: Hope in Action. In category Influencetwo initiatives tied for the first time: Plant for the planet (Global) were honored for restoring forests and combating climate change, empowering youth around the world and restoring 90 million trees through education and digital transparency tools; And Creators of Gzhenge (Kenya) were recognized for solving Nairobi’s waste problem, converting plastic waste into construction materials, recycling over 200 tonnes of plastic and creating 600 jobs, and promoting a recycling culture.

In category CreativityItalian campaign Suppose I can The CoorDown author won the award by shattering stereotypes about people with Down syndrome, receiving over 150 million views worldwide and sparking a powerful conversation about inclusivity, earning 7 Cannes Lions awards.

IN Changer category, Suvarna Raj From India, a para-athlete and disability rights advocate was honored for influencing policies such as the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act and raising awareness of accessible choices.

The UN SDG Action Awards are the hallmark of the UN SDG Action Campaign. The campaign’s Global Director, Marina Ponti, expressed her admiration for this year’s honorees, saying: “No matter who or where we are, our actions are essential to achieving the SDGs and shaping our shared future. Our world is home to millions of changemakers, each bringing creativity and passion to make meaningful progress towards a more inclusive and sustainable future. These awards highlight only a few, but their impact inspires us all to take greater action.”

Also receiving an honorable mention was the Weather Children campaign, a UNDP initiative aimed at stimulating public debate and mobilizing action on climate change. Susan Brown The award was accepted by the Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator and Director of the UNDP Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy, along with Isabella Santini, one of the children involved in the campaign.

The evening featured prominent thinkers and changemakers who highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration and community engagement in solving complex global problems, including a Canon Ambassador and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner. Muhammad MuheisenParalympian and disability advocate Jessica Smithaward-winning film director and producer Farhud Maybody; among many others, including performances by award-winning Italian singer Noemi who performed a beautiful version of John Lennon’s “Imagine”; and spoken word poetry by a poet and activist Alhanislam.

During the ceremony, Stefano Gatti, Director General of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for Development Cooperation, delivered a message addressed to today’s youth: “To achieve the SDGs, Italy is committed to empowering young people to ensure they have access to the opportunities they need to realizing your potential. The future of our planet is in their hands, and we need them to be inspired by these amazing people and organizations.”

Niels Annen, Secretary of State of Germany, congratulated the team of award winners, saying that “The UN SDG Campaign supports the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, inspiring others to do the same. You remind us of the most powerful truth: we can all be part of the better world we strive for.”

Also present at the ceremony were Art exhibition “HOPE IN ACTION”collaboration with HUG, a global community of artists, showcasing 25 powerful pieces of art that address topical issues such as climate action, gender equality and peace.

ABOUT

The UN SDG Action Campaign is a special initiative of the UN Secretary-General organized by the Executive Office of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). It was created to bring together people from around the world to take action on the SDGs, and to participate, campaign and catalyze positive change towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, while advocating for reimagining, recalibrating and reimagining economies and societies so that they serving people and the planet. The Campaign for Change aims to drive systemic transformation by reimagining, recalibrating and reimagining economies and societies to serve people and the planet, while inspiring action to achieve the SDGs and sending a message of hope and opportunity.