Applications open for the UNIDO ONE World Sustainability Awards
Applications are open for the UNIDO ONE World Sustainability Awards. In 2025, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, is set to launch the ONE World Sustainability Awards. These prestigious awards represent a significant UNIDO initiative designed to recognize and promote pioneering contributions to sustainable industrial development globally. Aligned with the United Nations’ overarching agenda on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the awards will highlight businesses and individuals who exemplify excellence in sustainability and innovation, contributing to the UN’s vision of a just, inclusive, and sustainable future.
As a constituent entity of the United Nations system, UNIDO utilizes its distinct international mandate, technical proficiency, and extensive experience in industrial development to convene governments, the private sector, and civil society. The Awards function as a strategic UN platform supporting the long-term transformation of industries and companies, facilitating enhanced access to and scaling of sustainable solutions worldwide, with a particular focus on developing and emerging markets.
The inaugural award ceremony is scheduled to take place at UNIDO’s Global Industry Summit 2025, hosted by Saudi Arabia. This event will gather representatives from 173 UN Member States and serve to establish an enduring platform for partnerships, collaboration, and international visibility. This will enable winners and nominees to contribute substantively to the UN’s vision of industrial progress that is both economically viable and environmentally responsible.
Benefits of Application – Applications open for the UNIDO ONE World Sustainability Awards
Applying aligns participants with a UN-led initiative promoting sustainable industrial development, adhering to internationally recognized standards including SDGs and ESG frameworks. The awards offer significant recognition and facilitate access to UNIDO’s extensive global networks and specialized expertise.
Benefits for Winners – Applications open for the UNIDO ONE World Sustainability Awards
* Enhanced credibility and visibility as sustainability leaders, formally endorsed by leading experts in industrial sustainability within the United Nations system.
* International acknowledgement via UNIDO’s official platforms.
* Opportunities for professional networking at the Global Industry Summit, a prominent UN assembly convening stakeholders from over 170 nations.
* Continued long-term engagement within UNIDO’s private sector networks and events.
Eligibility – Applications open for the UNIDO ONE World Sustainability Awards
* **Sustainable Industry:** Companies demonstrating integration of sustainability principles into industrial operations.
* **Sustainability Advancement:** Organizations and institutions actively promoting sustainable industrial practices.
* **Innovation:** Innovative start-ups developing sustainable solutions.
* **Entrepreneurship:** Entrepreneurs and individuals achieving significant sustainable impacts within the industry sector.
Award Categories – Applications open for the UNIDO ONE World Sustainability Awards
Applicants are invited to apply within the following main categories:
1. **Sustainable Supply Chains:** This category recognizes entities transforming supply chains to enhance sustainability and resilience. Focus areas include emissions reduction, fair labour standards, responsible sourcing, and local value addition.
2. **Innovative Start-Ups:** This category is for start-ups developing breakthrough technologies or business models that shape the future of industry. It seeks innovative start-ups creating scalable sustainable solutions.
3. **Women in Industry:** This category highlights entities prioritizing women’s empowerment within their operations. This includes boosting women’s employment, promoting women into higher technical and managerial roles, and championing women entrepreneurs.
Selection Criteria – Applications open for the UNIDO ONE World Sustainability Awards
Applications undergo rigorous evaluation by an independent jury composed of distinguished international experts with extensive experience in sustainability, industrial development, and innovation. The jury adheres to the highest standards of impartiality and transparency, leveraging UNIDO’s expertise as the specialized UN agency for inclusive and sustainable industrial development and public-private partnerships.
The assessment process is grounded in a comprehensive framework encompassing considerations related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance. This approach ensures that recognized initiatives demonstrate not only excellence but also alignment with the broader mission to foster responsible, equitable, and resilient industrial growth globally.
Key evaluation pillars guide the assessment – Applications open for the UNIDO ONE World Sustainability Awards
The Awards, underpinned by this rigorous selection process, serve to identify outstanding achievements and provide recognition within the global UN system. This offers winners a platform to amplify their impact and facilitate access to strategic partnerships across sectors and international borders.
Application – Applications open for the UNIDO ONE World Sustainability Awards
- For details and to apply visit the official program website
- For further information please contact our expert team in Vienna: [email protected]
- APPLY HERE
- Deadline is July 2025
