UNIDO ONE World Sustainability Awards

Deadline: 31-Dec-25

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is accepting applications for its UNIDO ONE World Sustainability Awards to recognize and promote ground-breaking contributions to sustainable industrial development worldwide.

Rooted in the United Nations’ global agenda on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) the awards showcase businesses and individuals who demonstrate excellence in sustainability and innovation aligned with the UN’s vision for a just, inclusive, and sustainable future.

The Awards are a strategic UN platform that supports the long-term transformation of industries and companies, helping them enhance access and scale sustainable solutions globally, particularly in developing and emerging markets.

Award Categories

• Applicants will be invited to apply within the following main categories:
  • Sustainable Supply Chains:
    • Are you transforming supply chains to be more sustainable and resilient? Show the world how you are reducing emissions, ensuring fair labour standards, driving responsible sourcing, enhancing local value addition or more!
  • Innovative Start-Ups:
    • Are you developing breakthrough technologies or business models that shape the industry of the future? If you are an innovative Start-Up creating scalable solutions, they want to hear from you!
  • Women in Industry:
    • Do you place women’s empowerment at the heart of your operations? If you are boosting women’s employment, promoting women into higher technical and managerial roles, or championing women entrepreneurs, apply to share your impact.

Why apply?

• By applying, you join a UN-led movement dedicated to advancing sustainable industrial development in line with internationally agreed standards such as the SDGs and ESG frameworks. The awards provide more than recognition; they open doors to UNIDO’s global networks and expertise.
• Winners will gain:
  • Credibility and visibility as leaders in sustainability endorsed by the leading experts in industrial sustainability within the United Nations standards
  • International recognition through UNIDO’s solution platform
  • Networking opportunities at the Global Industry Summit, a high-profile UN convening with stakeholders from more than 170 countries
  • Further long-term inclusion in UNIDO’s private sector networks and events

Who can apply?

• Companies embedding sustainability into industrial operations
• Organizations and institutions advancing sustainable industrial practices
• Innovative start-ups driving sustainable solutions
• Entrepreneurs and individuals making significant sustainable impacts in industry

Selection Criteria

• Applications will be rigorously evaluated by an independent jury of distinguished international experts with deep experience in sustainability, industrial development, and innovation. This jury operates under the highest standards of impartiality and transparency, guided by  UNIDO’s expertise as the specialized UN agency for inclusive and sustainable industrial development and public-private partnerships.
• The assessment process is firmly grounded in a nuanced framework that encompasses considerations regarding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance. This ensures that winning initiatives not only demonstrate excellence but also align with the broader mission to promote responsible, equitable, and resilient industrial growth worldwide.

For more information, visit UNIDO.