Applications are now open for the 2025 UN SDG Action Awards, an annual initiative by the UN SDG Action Campaign to celebrate outstanding individuals and initiatives accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through creativity, resilience, and impact.
Set to take place on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 in Rome, Italy, the UN SDG Action Awards Ceremony brings global recognition to changemakers and storytellers who are shaping a more sustainable, equitable, and peaceful world. Finalists will receive full funding to attend the event and will be featured on platforms such as UN WebTV, Deutsche Welle, and RAI, Italy’s national broadcaster.
About the UN SDG Action Campaign
The UN SDG Action Campaign is a special initiative of the UN Secretary-General, hosted by the Executive Office of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and based in Bonn, Germany. The Campaign mobilizes people everywhere to act on the SDGs by using innovative approaches to engage, advocate, and catalyze change toward reimagined societies that serve both people and the planet.
What Are the UN SDG Action Awards?
The Heroes of Tomorrow: UN SDG Action Awards recognize individuals and initiatives that use creativity and innovation to promote sustainable development and human rights. In 2024 alone, the Awards received over 5,500 applications and nominations from more than 190 countries.
Finalists are selected by a technical review team and a high-level panel of judges. Winners are celebrated at the ceremony through an immersive experience of music, art, and messages of inspiration from global leaders.
🔹 Award Categories
🏆 Creativity Award
Honors creative campaigns or initiatives that have effectively used music, art, digital media, theater, documentaries, poetry, dance, or other forms of artistic expression to shift public behavior, perceptions, or policies toward more sustainable and just societies. Read application guidance
🏆 Resilience Award
Celebrates initiatives that have overcome significant social, economic, environmental, or political challenges while continuing to drive progress on the SDGs. These efforts highlight determination, adaptability, and a commitment to leaving no one behind.Read application guidance
🏆 Changemaker Award
Recognizes individuals making a meaningful and lasting difference in their communities. These may be public figures or behind-the-scenes leaders who advocate for justice, equality, and sustainability. Candidates can be nominated by others or self-nominated. Read application guidance
Judging Criteria
All applications and nominations will be evaluated based on the following:
-
Impact: Demonstrated contributions to SDG progress and measurable improvements in social, economic, or environmental conditions.
-
Innovation: The uniqueness of the approach or idea and how it breaks new ground.
-
Scalability: Potential for the initiative to be replicated or scaled in other regions or sectors.
Deadline and How to Apply
Application Deadline: 25 May 2025
You can either:
-
Apply with a campaign or initiative for the Creativity or Resilience Awards, or
-
Nominate or self-nominate for the Changemaker Award.
Visit the official application portal to get started. You may save and edit your submission until you’re ready to finalize. Once submitted, the form can no longer be modified or viewed.
Application Tips:
-
Review all form fields before starting.
-
Begin early to ensure you have enough time to gather supporting materials.
-
Ensure your submission addresses the judging criteria clearly and concisely.
Why Apply?
-
Receive global recognition at a high-profile UN ceremony.
-
Get fully funded travel to Rome, Italy.
-
Join a powerful network of global changemakers.
-
Inspire millions around the world through your story.
Ready to be recognized as one of the Heroes of Tomorrow?
Apply or nominate today before 25 May 2025
More info can be found here https://sdgactionawards.org/apply/