AWARDS CEREMONY 2025

The 7th Annual Pioneers in SDGs Awards Ceremony, organized by the Journalists and Writers Foundation (JWF), honored outstanding individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on 8 October 2025, Wednesday on Zoom. The event brought together diverse participants from over 43 countries, including Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, in addition to refugee-led and disadvantaged communities, highlighting a global commitment to social change and sustainable development. This year, the Pioneers in SDGs Awards 2025 received 77 civil society project submissions from 43 different countries championing for the effective and timely implementation of all the 17 Global Goals leaving no one behind. 

The ceremony commenced with reflections emphasizing the importance of collective action and the active participation of attendees through chat introducing themselves and their countries. This year, the Awards Ceremony was hosted by Patrice Samara, who is the President of the Triumph Communications Group and COO of Wordeee, a publishing company. In her Introduction Remarks, Ms. Samara underscored the significance of civil society in fostering peaceful, inclusive societies and innovative solutions. The Pioneers in SDGs Awards serve as a tribute to those outstanding individuals and organizations who are changemakers and who embody the principles of peace, diversity, inclusivity, human rights, and the empowerment of women and youth. Ms. Samara noted that the selflessness, philanthropy, and unwavering dedication demonstrated by these Pioneers are invaluable to shaping a better world for all of us. She also emphasized that the exemplary work of civil society leaders acts as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging others to join our collective mission for positive change and sustainable development.

In his Welcoming Remarks, President of the JWF, Mehmet Kilic highlighted that civil society and international partnerships are vital in shaping the future we want. It is important that we work together with our global partners worldwide, united by a common purpose, which is transforming our world. Mr. Kilic noted that “The story of Pioneers in SDGs started 7 years ago, when we wanted to acknowledge and recognize exceptional individuals and outstanding organizations whose innovative and creative projects contribute to sustainable peace and development globally. Our goal is to build peaceful and inclusive societies worldwide where no one is left behind.” He also recognized the international jury members for their valuable contributions and insightful feedbacks for the project applicants. 

Sharing her reflections, Cemre Ulker, Representative of the JWF to the UN Department of Global Communications introduced the 3-Days of Actions led by JWF convening its Global Partners in the margins of the recently concluded UN General Assembly 80th Session in New York with the working themes of digitalization of sustainable development, human rights, women and youth as leaders of civic engagement and threats of the principles of democracy. She reminded the global audience that as 5 years left for the SDGs` target deadline of 2030, the theme of UNGA80, #BetterTogeter is the inspiration we need to deliver on the spirit of unity and shared responsibility, recognizing that global challenges require collaborative actions.

Esteemed jury members from around the world provided insightful evaluations, emphasizing the importance of resilience, creativity, and community ownership in sustainable development efforts. First Keynote of the ceremony, who also serves as a jury member, Dr. Joan Hernández Serret, an esteemed academic from the Faculty of Communication International University of Catalonia, based in Spain, recognized that the majority of the project submissions were initiatives led by women and young professionals, often working in very challenging settings. The persistence of people`s commitments shine around the world. Dr. Serret expressed that “Pioneers in SDGs who step outside their boundaries are awarded for service for the others.” Referring to different scales of impact levels, Jury Member Dr. Serret underscored that each project has direct beneficiary ranging from dozens to 10,000 people. A call to the universe indicating that collective action delivers results. 

The following Keynote and Jury Member, Dr. Reginald Nalugala, Professor of Social Transformation from Tangaza University located in Kenya said that this international community continues to grapple with the effects of poverty, hunger, poor access to healthcare and well-being, gender discrimination in education, employment, and other positions of power. He reminded the audience of the urgent call for all nation states to uphold global peace, protect individual rights, promote social justice, and become champions of sustainable development, anchored on the shared common goods. Dr. Nalugala expressed that “We are impressed by all projects because you continue to foster inclusive and peaceful societies. You safeguard human rights, push leaders within your own locality to uphold the rule of law, and you widen the space of enabling women, girls, and youth.”

Throughout the event, a series of projects was showcased, each demonstrating creativity, impact, and alignment with SDGs. The awards recognized excellence across categories such as Innovation, Impact, Stakeholder Engagement, Scope Achievement, and Young Changemakers. Winners received monetary prizes ranging from $250 to $2,000, with additional special recognitions. The event also included a People’s Choice Award, with record participation of 13,684 votes, highlighting community support for transformative projects.

Representative of each category winner delivered their reflections with the global audience at the Pioneers in SDGs Awards Ceremony. First Place Winner, Assel Seifullina, speaking on behalf of Global Green Hub from Kazakhstan, said “This year alone, our events have reached thousands of participants where parents and children learn ecological thinking together through play, creativity, and hands-on action. We have already launched our franchise in three cities across the country and conducted numerous eco-quests for children. Our colleagues organized the first eco-quest at an environmental school, and even experienced eco volunteers were pleasantly surprised by our methodology. Children felt inspired, parents became deeply ingrained.”

As the Second Place Winner, Josephine Edward, representing Benguela Seaweed Fertilizer from Namibia, indicated that their product is tailored to empower women farmers who are often marginalized. “We are going to empower over 250,000 women farmers and increase their food security by 40%.” Addressing food insecurity, environmental degradation, and women’s empowerment, the project promotes a circular economy by reducing ocean waste and improving soil health through increased microbial activity. This results in a 10% crop yield boost, contributing significantly to national food security. Aligning with SDGs #2, #5, #13, and #14, it demonstrates how ocean-based solutions can drive climate resilience, inclusion, and sustainable development in Namibia.

Representative of Blossom Together for Brighter Futures, from the USA, Oznur Celik said that their initiative is a student-led humanitarian organization that has grown from a small high school project to over 20 university chapters nationwide today. Ms. Celik noted, “Our work focuses on three essentials: Clean Water, Healthcare, and Food. Each university chapter brings this mission to life through various events, including 5K runs, panels, and humanitarian actions.”

The ceremony closed with reflections on the global challenges faced, the importance of shared responsibility, and encouragement to continue advocating for SDGs through social media and collaborative initiatives. Overall, the Pioneers in SDGs 2025 served as an inspiring platform celebrating impactful projects, fostering international solidarity, and motivating continued action toward a more sustainable and equitable future.

PIONEERS IN SDGS AWARD RECIPIENTS 2025