The UN SDG Action Awards are back for the third time, offering a unique opportunity to celebrate and recognize the most inspiring initiatives for a sustainable future. This year, the call for nominations for the awards is open from March 1 to April 30, 2023, inviting individuals and organizations from around the world to share their innovative initiatives that have a positive impact on the planet and communities.
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The UN SDG Action Awards, a UN signature program
The UN SDG Action Campaign organizes the annual UN SDG Action Awards to recognize initiatives and individuals who mobilize, inspire and connect people for positive change. More than 3,000 nominations are received each year from over 150 countries, and finalists and winners are chosen by a high-level panel of judges made up of leaders from different sectors and geographies.
2023 Award Categories: Mobilize, Inspire and Connect
Nominations for the UN SDG Action Awards 2023 are open and initiatives can be submitted in one of three categories:
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Mobilize Initiatives that turn apathy into action by mobilizing hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people to act in favor of the SDGs. We're looking for high-impact initiatives, usually involving collective and coordinated actions that mobilize people to turn the tide and achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Inspire Initiatives that harness the power of creativity to inspire positive change and shift behavior in favor of the SDGs. We are looking for inspiring initiatives and campaigns that turn the tide to change individual behavior and/or public policy.
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Connect Initiatives that turn division into unity by connecting diverse sectors and partners, from citizens to institutions, to accelerate progress towards the SDGs. We're looking for initiatives that turn the tide and connect people, organizations and institutions to mobilize commitment and accountability for the SDGs.
SDG stands for "Sustainable Development Goals. This is a set of 17 global goals adopted by UN member states in September 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These goals are designed to be a universal call to action to eradicate poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. The 17 SDGs are:
- No poverty
- Zero hunger
- Good health and well-being
- Quality education
- Gender equality
- Clean water and sanitation
- Clean, affordable energy
- Decent work and economic growth
- Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- Reduced inequalities
- Sustainable cities and communities
- Responsible consumption and production
- Combating climate change
- Aquatic life
- Life on earth
- Peace, justice and strong institutions
- Partnerships to achieve objectives.
How to apply for the UN SDG Action Awards
Interested candidates must complete the online application form by April 30, 2023. All sections of the form are compulsory, with the exception of those marked as optional. Applicants must provide clear and solid evidence to support their application, such as photos and videos, as well as testimonials from participants in their initiative.
Steps to follow :
- Choose your application category: Mobilize, Inspire or Connect.
- Complete the online application form with the requested information, including your initiative's contact details, details of your organization, your initiative's objectives and details of how your initiative has contributed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Provide evidence and references to support your application, such as photos, videos, articles and public comments.
- Create and share a short video about your initiative using the link provided in the application form.
- Make sure your application is complete and submitted before the deadline of April 30, 2023 at 11:59pm EST.
Be prepared to answer these questions in the form :
- How does your initiative fit into the category selected for this award?
- Which SDGs does your initiative focus on?
- The story behind your initiative
- Tell us about your initiative: (200 words maximum)
- What is the aim of this initiative, when and how did it start, and what problem/challenge are you targeting?
- What is the process/how do you do what you do?
- What is the impact/what have you achieved?
- How is your initiative innovative/transformative?
- How does your initiative "flip the script" by recalibrating, rethinking, reinventing and rewriting what's possible? What new narrative does it have the power to create? (100 words)
Examination criteria
- Impact What is the impact of the initiative? For example, the number of people reached, mobilized, number of sectors involved, policies/legislation/budgets influenced, tangible changes in behavior in favor of the SDO. (200 words)
- Approach How innovative is the strategy behind this initiative? Is it a revolutionary idea? Does the initiative also involve those left behind? (200 words)
- Scalability/replicability Can this initiative be scaled up and/or replicated in other contexts to accelerate the achievement of global goals? Is there any evidence that scaling up or replication is already underway? (200 words)
- How would winning a UN action award for the Millennium Development Goals affect the initiative? Have you ever received any recognition or awards? (200 words)
Video presentation
Using your written presentation from the "Story of your initiative" section, create and share a short, powerful video about your initiative. Maximum length 2 minutes in landscape mode. Paste the link to the video viewing platform - Vimeo or YouTube, for example, with open viewing access.
Support content
Upload up to 3 photos that help visualize the initiative and its impact. You can also add links to other videos that you feel help tell the story of your initiative, making sure they are accessible to all.
Applications may be submitted in English or in another language. If the application is in a language other than English, bidders are encouraged to include English subtitles to help the judges evaluate the application.
Link to participate: UN SDG Action Awards
The benefits of taking part in the SDG Action Awards 2023
Winners of the UN SDG Action Awards receive international recognition for their initiatives and efforts to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to recognition, winners have the opportunity to:
- Participate in high-level events organized by the United Nations and other partners.
- Receive training, mentoring and advice from experts to improve their initiative.
- Collaborate with other winners and partners in the SDG community to share best practices and lessons learned.
- Access funding and support networks to develop and expand their initiative.
- Receive media attention and promotional opportunities for their initiative.
