The Global Sustainability Awards (GSA) is an international initiative recognizing contributions toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals, connecting changemakers across schools, NGOs, startups, and individuals. The awards foster collaboration, shared learning, and global recognition, with regional chapters enabling localized participation while amplifying impact worldwide.
Overview of the Awards
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International initiative celebrating contributions toward United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Aims to create 100 million global changemakers over the next 10 years.
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Connects sustainability-driven schools, students, educators, colleges, startups, NGOs, preschools, and individual changemakers.
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Serves as a platform for collaboration, shared learning, and recognition of grassroots innovators and large-scale initiatives.
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Positions itself as a global movement uniting individuals and organizations across sustainability domains.
Objectives and Vision
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Build a global network of changemakers to amplify local sustainability efforts.
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Recognize and celebrate contributions toward SDGs.
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Inspire cross-border learning and collaboration between sustainability stakeholders.
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Provide a platform where local initiatives gain global recognition.
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Strengthen impact through regional chapters, reflecting local priorities while remaining globally aligned.
Participation and Reach
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Over 5,000 participants from 55+ countries between 2021–2025, including students, teachers, schools, NGOs, and startups.
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Highlights diverse sustainability efforts and encourages cross-border learning and inspiration.
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Regional chapters enable local participation while connecting winners to a global sustainability community.
Who Can Apply
Participants can apply under different categories depending on the regional chapter:
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Schools and school leaders
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Educators and students
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Colleges and startups
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NGOs and preschools
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Individual changemakers
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Applicants should apply to the chapter closest to their location, with flexibility to select another chapter if the desired category is unavailable.
Key Features and Benefits
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Recognition for contributions to UN Sustainable Development Goals.
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Global visibility for local initiatives.
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Networking opportunities with like-minded changemakers worldwide.
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Access to regional chapters that reflect local sustainability priorities.
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Encourages collaboration, shared learning, and innovation across sectors.
Application Deadlines
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Delhi and Dubai chapters: 15 April 2026
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Atlanta chapter: 31 March 2026
Why the GSA Matters
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Strengthens the global sustainability movement by highlighting impactful initiatives.
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Encourages participation from diverse stakeholders, including education, NGOs, startups, and individuals.
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Inspires cross-border learning and collaboration among changemakers.
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Amplifies local efforts to gain international recognition and influence.
Tips for Applicants
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Choose the regional chapter closest to your location.
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Clearly demonstrate your contribution to SDGs.
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Highlight measurable impact and sustainability outcomes.
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Emphasize collaboration, innovation, and community engagement.
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Use storytelling to convey local efforts with global significance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Who can participate? Schools, students, educators, colleges, startups, NGOs, preschools, and individual changemakers.
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What is the goal of the awards? To recognize contributions toward the UN SDGs and build a global network of changemakers.
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How do regional chapters work? Chapters reflect local priorities while connecting winners to the global mission.
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Can I apply to a different chapter? Yes, if your desired category is not available locally.
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What are the deadlines? Delhi/Dubai: 15 April 2026; Atlanta: 31 March 2026.
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What benefits do participants receive? Recognition, global visibility, networking, and opportunities to collaborate with other sustainability leaders.
Conclusion
The Global Sustainability Awards provide a platform for changemakers worldwide to gain recognition, build connections, and contribute meaningfully to achieving the UN SDGs. By combining local relevance with global visibility, GSA empowers schools, organizations, startups, and individuals to expand the impact of their sustainability initiatives.
For more information, visit GSA.
