PIONEERS IN SDGs AWARDS
The Awards Ceremony will be held on 8 October 2025 | VIRTUAL
The Pioneers in SDGs Awards commend remarkable organizations and individuals who steadfastly advance sustainable peace, development, and the preservation of a culture rooted in peace, human rights, and sustainable development. The Journalists and Writers Foundation, alongside our esteemed 56 Global Partners spanning 30 countries, recognizes Pioneers in SDGs whose innovative and imaginative projects contribute to the attainment of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The unwavering altruism, philanthropy, dedication, and commitment exhibited by these Pioneers in SDGs are instrumental in cultivating a better world for all.
Our distinguished international jury meticulously evaluates projects based on four discerning criteria: innovation, stakeholders, scope, and impact. Employing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, the jury identifies and commends the foremost first, second, and third-place winners for their exceptional contributions. In 2024, we witnessed the participation of 78 projects from 43 different countries, each recognized and celebrated for their remarkable endeavors in benefiting their local communities. This year, the highly anticipated Pioneers in SDGs Awards Ceremony will take place on October 8, 2025, immediately following the SDGs Conference 2025.
Submission & Evaluation
The esteemed international jury will meticulously evaluate each project based on four discerning criteria: innovation, stakeholders, scope, and impact. These projects are envisioned as exemplary models that have the power to inspire individuals and organizations worldwide, driving positive social change and contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
To submit a project, please visit the official SDGs Conference website. The submission process requires the completion of a project application, along with a three-minute video, contact information, and a concise project description. Full details can be found at https://unga-conference.org/call-for-projects/.
Kindly note that the submission deadline is September 15, 2025. Act promptly to ensure your project receives the attention it deserves!
Submit your application here
- Submit your project for consideration by completing the application form.
- Attach relevant supplementary information about your project.
- Provide a concise 3-minute introduction video clip.
- The submission deadline is September 15, 2025.
- Project application and the video clip must be in English.
We eagerly await your submissions and look forward to reviewing your impactful projects!
Selection Criteria
The selection of projects will be based on four key criteria, each holding substantial significance:
Innovation (0-25): This criterion evaluates the project’s approach to devising creative solutions to global challenges, emphasizing its innovative contributions to social, economic, and environmental development. Under this criterion, we will be considering the following key indicators: (1) Innovation and Creativity (2) Problem Solving, (3) Social Impact, (4) Scalability and Replicability, and (5) Demonstrated Results
Stakeholders (0-25): The involvement of key players in decision-making processes is paramount. This criterion assesses the project’s inclusiveness in decision-making, free from any form of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, or other factors. Under this criterion, we will be considering the following key indicators: (1) Inclusivity, (2) Collaboration and Partnerships, (3) Transparency and Accountability, (4) Conflict Resolution and Mediation, and (5) Empowerment and Capacity Building
Scope (0-25): This criterion encompasses the planning, implementation, and evaluation processes of the project. It evaluates the project’s goals, objectives, indicators, and tangible outcomes, emphasizing a comprehensive and well-structured approach. Under this criterion, we will be considering the following key indicators: (1) Clear Goals and Objectives, (2) Comprehensive Planning, (3) Stakeholder Engagement, (4) Monitoring and Evaluation, and (5) Sustainability and Scalability
Impact (0-25): The project’s contributions to individuals, organizations, and society at large are evaluated in terms of their impact on social, economic, and environmental development. This criterion assesses the project’s ability to create meaningful and positive changes in the world. Under this criterion, we will be considering the following key indicators: (1) Social Impact, (2) Economic Impact, (3) Environmental Impact, (4) Policy Impact, and (5) Scalability and Replicability
Projects will be scored on a scale of 0 to 25 for each criterion, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of their innovation, stakeholder involvement, scope, and impact.
AWARDS
1st Place Award:
+ $2,000 cash prize
2nd Place Award:
+ $1,000 cash prize
3rd Place Award:
+ $500 cash prize
Additional Awards
- Innovation Excellence Award: + $250 cash prize
- Stakeholder Engagement Award: + $250 cash prize
- Scope Achievement Award: + $250 cash prize
- Transferable Impact Award: + $250 cash prize
- Young Changemakers Award: + $250 cash prize
- People’s Choice Award: + $250 cash prize
Changemakers Awards: + $100 cash prize for 5 projects.
Furthermore, our esteemed Jury Members will grant special acknowledgments to select projects that have demonstrated exceptional dedication in creating a positive social impact aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Pioneers in SDGs Award Ceremony 2025
We understand the invaluable contributions of all projects, as they all make a meaningful impact within our communities. However, the selection of first, second, and third-place winners will be based on their potential to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through their innovation, engagement of stakeholders, comprehensive scope, and demonstrable impact. All awardees and project participants will be acknowledged and provided with a platform to showcase their work for potential collaborations during the esteemed virtual Pioneers in SDGs Award Ceremony on October 8, 2025.
Goals
The primary objective of Pioneers in SDGs is to support innovative and creative ideas that drive positive social change, raise awareness about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals with their 169 targets, and foster sustainable peace and development globally.
Selection Process
An international jury, consisting of former diplomats, experts, scholars, and practitioners in sustainable development, peacebuilding, women and youth empowerment, cultural diversity, and social inclusion, is formed by the Journalists and Writers Foundation. The jury will evaluate projects based on four criteria: innovation, stakeholders, scope, and impact, encompassing the indicators for each of these criteria and in addition, community service, dedication, philanthropy, and societal upliftment. Through a comprehensive review combining quantitative and qualitative assessments, the jury will select first, second, and third-place winners from diverse countries worldwide. In previous editions, 80 projects from 43 countries received recognition for their exceptional contributions to their local communities. This year, the Pioneers in SDGs Awards Ceremony will take place on October 8, 2025.
Global Visibility & Recognition
Participating in Pioneers in SDGs offers an unparalleled opportunity to showcase best practices and projects to a distinguished audience comprising United Nations diplomats, academics, experts, and journalists. Furthermore, projects and videos will receive international exposure through promotion on the SDGs Conference website and will be compiled into a booklet for distribution to relevant United Nations agencies. Pioneers and organizations will benefit from networking opportunities with global institutions, exploring avenues for collaboration and partnerships.
Sustainable Development Goal(s)
Projects must address one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals to receive awards and recognition. Our goal is to make a positive social change for peaceful and inclusive societies.
