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AWARDS CEREMONY 2023

27 September 2023 | HYBRID | New York

     Celebrating the 5th Annual Pioneers in SDGs Awards 2023

In a world facing complex challenges, it’s essential to recognize and celebrate the individuals and organizations tirelessly working towards sustainable development. The 5th Annual Pioneers in SDGs Awards Ceremony, held virtually on September 27, 2023, did just that. The Awards Ceremony was hosted by Dr. Rajendran Govender, a renowned social cohesion advocate, newspaper columnist, and Advisory Board Member to the JWF from South Africa.

Organized by the Journalists and Writers Foundation and its 52 Global Partners from 27 different countries, the event provided a platform to honor the outstanding contributions of civil society organizations to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The 2023 submission pool was astounding, with 64 innovative projects hailing from 36 different countries. These remarkable initiatives reached an impressive 77 countries worldwide, demonstrating the global nature of the sustainable development movement. The diversity and creativity showcased in these projects left an indelible mark.

The Pioneers in SDGs Awards serve as a beacon for individuals and organizations championing principles such as peaceful and inclusive societies, human rights, the rule of law, and democratic values. They are the driving force behind a more equitable and sustainable world.

One of the core commitments of our initiative is capacity building. By supporting individuals and organizations in enhancing their projects, we aim to propel them to higher levels of impact. The invaluable feedback and comments provided by the esteemed international jury members will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for growth and improvement.

Winners and award recipients will receive Cash Awards, Certificates of Recognition, Letters of Appreciation acknowledging their exceptional dedication. Furthermore, the insightful comments and feedback from the jury will be shared with the deserving awardees, enriching their journey with wisdom and guidance.
In 2023, a new category was introduced: the 'People's Choice SDGs Awards.' The overwhelming response from our global audience demonstrated the power of collective engagement and the resonance of the Sustainable Development Goals worldwide. It highlighted the importance of involving communities in shaping the future of sustainable development.

In addition to the inspiring projects, we were honored to have an esteemed jury panel for the Pioneers in SDGs Awards 2023. Their dedication and expertise enriched the evaluation process and added an extra layer of distinction to the event. Our distinguished jury members included Nancy Falcon, Executive Director of Alba Intercultural Dialogue Center; Dr. Reginald M. Nalugala, Professor at Tangaza University College; Thomas Sideris, an accomplished Journalist and Documentary Director; Ibrahim Anli, Executive Director of the Rumi Forum and Dr. Rajendran Govender, a Social Cohesion Advocate from the KZN Department of Arts & Culture.
The 5th Annual Pioneers in SDGs Awards Ceremony 2023 was a testament to the dedication of individuals and organizations worldwide in creating a sustainable, inclusive, and peaceful future. We extend our sincere appreciation to our international jury, our partners, and all those who made this event a resounding success. Together, we move forward in the pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, inspired, and empowered to make a lasting impact on our world.

If you missed the ceremony, don’t worry. The captivating Pioneers in SDGs Virtual Awards Ceremony 2023 is now available on both the JWF’s YouTube channel and the UNGA Conference website. Share the inspiration and spread hope.

PIONEERS IN SDGS AWARD RECIPIENTS 2023

1ST PLACE WINNER 2023

Country: South Africa
Organization: Empowervate
Project: The Youth Citizens Action Programme
Representative: Mrs Amanda Blankfield-Koseff, Founder and CEO
Website: http://www.empowervate.org

2ND PLACE WINNER 2023

Country: Scotland
Organization: Ally Zlatar / University of Southern Queensland
Project: The Starving Artist
Representative: Ally Zlatar
Website: https://starvingartist.cargo.site/

3RD PLACE WINNER 2023

Country: Chad-Cameroon
Organization: Embrace Relief Foundation
Project: Fountains of Hope
Representative: Kevin Meacham, Content Development Specialist
Website: https://www.embracerelief.org/charitable-donation-for-clean-water/fountains-of-hope

INNOVATION EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNER 2023

Country: USA
Organization: Bathsheba Smithen & Dr. Jacqui Virgil
Project: Cage Free Voices Online Learning
Representative: Bathsheba Smithen, CEO & Founder
Website: https://cfvonlinelearning.com

STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT AWARD WINNER 2023

Country: Philippines
Organization: Henelito A. Sevilla, JR.
Project: Sustaining Hope, Winning Peace
Representative: Henelito A. Sevilla, Jr. (Dr. and Professor)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/KULEDUCENVI

SCOPE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER 2023

Country: Uganda
Organization: Summit Green Company
Project: Waste to Wealth Enterprise
Representative: Mutebi Ronald, Chief Executive Officer
Website: http://www.summitgreencompany.com/

TRANSFERABLE IMPACT AWARD WINNER 2023

Country: Malawi
Organization: Grains of Hope Mobilisation (GOHMO)
Project: Community Youth Empowerment and Mindset Change Project
Representative: George Fenias Chadza, Executive Director
Website: http://www.grainsofhopemobilisation.com

YOUNG CHANGEMAKERS AWARD WINNER 2023

Country: Spain
Organization: Association Arco Forum
Project: Spanish Youth Interfaith Ensemble (JOIRE)
Representative: Temir Naziri
Website: www.arcoforum.es

PEOPLE’S CHOICE SDGs AWARD WINNER 2023

Country: Kenya
Organization: Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes
Project: Regenerative Agriculture through Sustainable Farming
Representative: Sr. Josephine Muthoni Kwenga
Website: https://stjosephoftarbes-kenya.org/

CHANGEMAKERS AWARD WINNER (1) 2023

Country: Bangladesh
Organization: Pathchola Foundation Bangladesh
Project: Skill Development Programme for Social Inclusion
Representative: Mohammed Jahidul Islam Al-Azad (Manisha Meem Nipun), Co-founder & Executive Director
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pathcholaf?mibextid=ZbWKwL

YOUNG CHANGEMAKERS AWARD WINNER 2023

Country: Greece
Organization: The Smile of the Child
Project: Risks of Attracting Minors through Social Media Applications
Representative: Piji Protopsaltis
Website: https://www.hamogelo.gr/gr/en/

CHANGEMAKERS AWARD WINNER (3) 2023

Country: Rwanda
Organization: Sheba Plastic
Project: Sheba Plastic
Representative: Mamadou Oury Diallo, Founder and Shawn Mandere, Co-Founder
Website: http://www.shebaplastic.com/

CHANGEMAKERS AWARD WINNER (4) 2023

Country: Nigeria
Organization: Huracan Foundation
Project: HURACÁN Football Club
Representative: Etim-Etim Bassey Akpan, Project Leader
Website: http://thehuracanfoundation.org

CHANGEMAKERS AWARD WINNER (5) 2023

Country: New Zealand
Organization: Saint Andrew’s Uniting Church & Pearl of the Islands Foundation
Project: The Welcome Mat
Representative: Tayyaba Khan, Community Engagement Director
Website: www.pif.org.nz | https://st-andrews-motueka.nz

ALL PROJECTS (64)