Deadline: 25-Feb-2026

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) has launched the 5th edition of the ESCWA Digital Arabic Content Award for Sustainable Development in collaboration with the World Summit Awards. The Award recognizes outstanding digital Arabic content initiatives in the Arab region that advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and support the 2030 Agenda. Institutions, startups, and young entrepreneurs under 35 are eligible to apply.

Overview

The ESCWA Digital Arabic Content Award for Sustainable Development is a regional recognition program that honors innovative digital Arabic content initiatives contributing to sustainable development across Arab countries.

Now in its fifth edition, the Award promotes:

• High-quality Arabic digital content

• SDG-focused digital innovation

• Technology-driven sustainable development solutions

• Knowledge society development in the Arab region

The initiative is part of ESCWA’s broader mandate to strengthen digital transformation and regional cooperation.

Objective of the Award

The Award aims to:

• Recognize leading digital Arabic content products supporting sustainable development

• Highlight the role of digital technologies in advancing the United Nations 2030 Agenda

• Accelerate implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Bridge digital content gaps in Arabic language ecosystems

• Promote inclusive access to digital knowledge

• Support the growth of the Arab information and knowledge society

What Is Digital Arabic Content?

Definition

Digital Arabic content refers to:

• Applications

• Platforms

• Digital tools

• Websites

• Educational technologies

• Mobile solutions

• Data-driven services

All content must be primarily in Arabic and designed to create measurable social, economic, or environmental impact.

Focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Projects must align with one or more SDGs, such as:

• Quality education

• Climate action

• Gender equality

• Economic growth

• Health and well-being

• Industry and innovation

• Reduced inequalities

Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their solution contributes to measurable SDG progress.

Who Is Eligible?

1. Institutional Category

Eligible applicants include:

• Public sector institutions

• Private sector companies

• Academic institutions

• Civil society organizations

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

• Other relevant stakeholders

Requirements:

• Must be based in an Arab country

• Must have an existing digital product or project

• Must demonstrate impact on sustainable development

2. Young Entrepreneurs Category

This category is specifically designed for startups and youth-led innovation.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to entrepreneurs, startups, student groups, and project teams

• At least one founder must be under 35 years old

• The majority of the team must be under 35

• Must be from an Arab country

• Must have a functional digital Arabic content project

This category encourages youth innovation and supports the next generation of SDG-driven digital leaders.

Why This Award Matters

1. Strengthening Arabic Digital Ecosystems

Arabic remains underrepresented in global digital content. This Award:

• Encourages Arabic-language innovation

• Reduces digital content gaps

• Expands access to knowledge in the region

2. Accelerating the 2030 Agenda

By supporting technology-based SDG solutions, the Award contributes to:

• Faster implementation of sustainable development strategies

• Digital transformation for social good

• Scalable, tech-enabled impact

3. Empowering Youth and Startups

The Young Entrepreneurs category:

• Promotes youth leadership

• Encourages startup ecosystems

• Supports innovation-driven economic growth

How the Award Works

Step 1: Develop a Digital Arabic Content Product

Ensure your project:

• Is primarily in Arabic

• Uses digital technology

• Demonstrates measurable social impact

• Aligns with one or more SDGs

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

Applicants typically need to provide:

• Project description

• SDG alignment explanation

• Impact evidence (data, testimonials, metrics)

• Team information

• Technical details of the solution

Step 3: Submit Application

Submit your application through the official ESCWA Award platform within the announced deadline.

Step 4: Evaluation Process

Projects are assessed based on:

• Innovation

• SDG impact

• Scalability

• Sustainability

• Relevance to regional challenges

• Quality of digital implementation

Step 5: Recognition and Promotion

Winning projects receive:

• Regional recognition

• Visibility across ESCWA and partner networks

• Increased credibility

• Opportunities for regional and global exposure

Key Evaluation Criteria

Successful projects typically demonstrate:

• Clear alignment with SDGs

• Measurable development impact

• Strong user engagement

• Technical quality and usability

• Potential for scaling across the Arab region

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting projects without measurable impact

• Failing to clearly link the solution to specific SDGs

• Providing incomplete team eligibility details (especially for youth category)

• Submitting concepts instead of functional digital products

• Weak documentation of outcomes or beneficiaries

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who organizes the ESCWA Digital Arabic Content Award?

The Award is organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) in collaboration with the World Summit Awards.

2. Who can apply?

Institutions, startups, NGOs, academic entities, and young entrepreneurs from Arab countries with existing digital Arabic content projects.

3. Is the Award only for startups?

No. There are two categories: Institutional and Young Entrepreneurs.

4. What language must the content be in?

The digital product must primarily be in Arabic.

5. Do applicants need to align with specific SDGs?

Yes. Projects must clearly support one or more Sustainable Development Goals.

6. Is the project required to be fully operational?

Yes. Applicants must have an existing digital product or initiative with demonstrated impact.

7. What is the age requirement for the Young Entrepreneurs category?

At least one founder and the majority of the team must be under 35 years old.

Conclusion

The ESCWA Digital Arabic Content Award for Sustainable Development represents a major regional platform for recognizing innovative Arabic-language digital solutions that advance the Sustainable Development Goals.

By encouraging impactful digital content, empowering youth entrepreneurs, and strengthening the Arab digital ecosystem, ESCWA continues to drive sustainable development and digital transformation across the region.

Institutions and innovators with SDG-aligned Arabic digital solutions should consider applying to gain regional recognition and contribute to shaping a more inclusive, knowledge-driven Arab future.

For more information, visit ESCWA.