Applications Invited for 2025 UN SDG Action Awards

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About the Organization

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 is mandated to engage, campaign and catalyze positive change towards the Sustainable Development Goals while advocating for rethinking, recalibrating and reimagining economies and societies so that they serve people and the planet. 

About the Award

The Heroes of Tomorrow: UN SDG Action Awards, a signature programme of the UN SDG Action Campaign, champions initiatives and committed individuals who wield the power of creativity and innovation to bring us closer to a more sustainable, equitable and peaceful world. Through the Awards, the Campaign is committed to showcasing the heroes of tomorrow while sending a message of hope and possibilities. Each year, a high-level panel of judges and a technical review team consider over 5,500 applications and nominations from 190 countries, selecting finalists and then the winners.

Finalists are invited to the Heroes of Tomorrow: UN SDG Action Awards Ceremony which unveils and celebrates the winners with music, art and inspiring messages from leaders from all backgrounds and regions of the world.

The 2025 UN SDG Action Awards Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 in Rome, Italy. It will reach global audiences – with over 5 million viewers for the 2024 edition – through UN WebTV, Deutsche Welle, and RAI, Italy’s public national broadcaster.

The Heroes of Tomorrow: UN SDG Action Awards programme is made possible by the generous financial support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

2025 Categories:

Creativity Award:

This Award recognizes extraordinary campaigns or initiatives that, through the power of creativity, have galvanized significant action and achieved measurable results in shifting people’s behaviours and public perceptions and/or influencing policies and budgetary allocations towards more sustainable, equitable and peaceful societies.

They have successfully leveraged a creative medium, including music, art, poetry, digital and multimedia, theatre, documentaries, dance, street art and any other form of creative expression, to achieve sustainable, fair, peaceful societies and/or promote human rights.

Resilience Award:

This Award honours initiatives that have demonstrated extraordinary resilience in overcoming crises, adversity, or systemic challenges while advancing progress towards sustainable, fair, peaceful societies. These initiatives have not only endured but have successfully adapted, persevered, and thrived despite obstacles—whether environmental, economic, political, or social.

By embracing innovation, collaboration, and determination, they have overcome challenges and contributed to building more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable communities, reinforcing the importance of resilience in achieving fairer, more peaceful societies where no one is left behind.

Changemaker Award

This Award honours exceptional individuals who have made a lasting impact in their communities and societies. They are the movers and the shakers but also people working quietly behind the scenes driving change.

A changemaker envisions a new reality, takes action and collaborates with others to bring that vision to life. A changemaker stands up for equality, justice and human rights, leading movements to transform our world and illuminate the path towards sustainable, fair, peaceful societies. Changemakers are identified through nominations or self-nominations.

How to Apply

Apply or submit your nomination by 7 May to be one of the 2025 UN SDG Action Award winners.

For the Creativity and Resilience Awards: Application Guidance

Apply now

For the Changemaker Award: Nomination Guidance

Nominate now

For more information please check the Link

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