About the UN SDG Action Awards
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 2025 UN SDG Action Awards Categories are:
CREATIVITY AWARD: This Award recognizes extraordinary campaigns or initiatives that, through the power of creativity, have galvanized significant action towards the SDGs. These campaigns have achieved measurable results in shifting people’s behaviours and public perceptions and/or influencing policies and budgetary allocations to achieve more sustainable, equitable and peaceful societies—the vision of the SDGs. 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 advance the goals and/or promote human rights.
Inspiring Examples:
“Assume That I Can”: A global advocacy campaign by CoorDown that shattered stereotypes about people with Down Syndrome, sparking a powerful conversation on inclusion.
“A White Dress Doesn’t Cover the Rape”: A creative advocacy campaign that led to the repealing of Article 522 in Lebanon, which allowed rapists to avoid imprisonment by marrying their victims.
“Fight Forever Chemicals Campaign”: An advocacy campaign with a feature film that made an unseen health crisis visible and led to the approval of over a dozen anti-forever chemical bills in the US and in the European Union.
RESILIENCE AWARD: This Award honours initiatives that have demonstrated extraordinary resilience in overcoming crises, adversity, or systemic challenges while advancing progress towards the SDGs. 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 the SDGs and leaving no one behind.
Inspiring Examples:
“Gjenge Makers”: A social enterprise in Kenya that addresses Nairobi’s waste management crisis by converting plastic into building materials also driving socio-economic growth and community empowerment.
“The Masungi Story”: An environmental initiative led by a youth group in the Philippines that stopped deforestation plans and enabled large-scale reforestation.
“SUPVivors Say No More”: A gender equality initiative founded by two survivors of violence in Ecuador who mobilized millions against domestic violence and sexual abuse and led to policy change improving abuse prevention and support to victims.
To apply with a campaign/initiative to the Creativity or Resilience Award, please click here.
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 the SDGs. Changemakers are identified through nominations or self-nominations.
Inspiring Examples:
“Suvarna Raj”, an international para-athlete and disability rights advocate from India, influenced policies on inclusion and raised awareness of accessible elections.
“Srishti Bakshi” walked over 3,800 kilometres across India to bring visibility to the issue of violence against women and inspire women to be agents for change.
“Nery Santaella” has empowered Venezuelan migrants by making available tools and information enabling them to a life with dignity.
To (self-)nominate an individual please see the Changemaker nomination form here.
THE APPLICATION PORTAL CLOSES ON WEDNESDAY, 7 MAY at 23:59 EST
About the UN SDG Action Campaign
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.