UNIDO ONE World Sustainability Awards
In 2025, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, will launch the ONE World Sustainability Awards. These prestigious awards are a hallmark UNIDO initiative 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.
As part of the United Nations system, UNIDO leverages its unique international mandate, technical expertise, and decades of experience in industrial development to convene governments, private sector, and civil society. 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.
The inaugural award ceremony will be held at UNIDO’s Global Industry Summit 2025, hosted by Saudi Arabia, bringing together representatives from 173 UN Member States. This global UN event will launch a lasting platform for partnerships, collaboration, and international exposure, enabling winners and nominees to contribute to the UN’s vision of industrial progress that is both economically viable and environmentally responsible.
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
Private sector engagement is key to unlocking opportunities for sustainable industrial development. The ONE World Sustainability Awards honour best practices and showcase how profitability and sustainability can go hand-in-hand. Join us!
Dr. Gerd Müller
Director General of UNIDO
Who can Apply?
Companies embedding sustainability into industrial operations
Innovative start-ups driving sustainable solutions
Organizations and institutions advancing sustainable industrial practices
Entrepreneurs and individuals making significant sustainable impacts in industry
Award Categories
Applicants will be invited to apply within the following main categories:
1
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!
2
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, we want to hear from you!
3
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.
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.
Key evaluation pillars include:
The Awards, grounded in the rigorous selection process, not only identifies outstanding achievements but also marks recognition within the global UN system, offering winners a platform to amplify their impact and gain access to strategic partnerships across sectors and borders.
Partnership Opportunities
Supporting the UNIDO ONE World Sustainability Awards means engaging directly with the United Nations’ efforts to transform industries for a sustainable future. This engagement is supported through UNIDO’s broad network of partners in government, business, and civil society which allow sponsors to contribute to impactful, UN-guided sustainability initiatives worldwide.
Sponsorship options include:
You can showcase your institution’s commitment to global development and sustainable industrialization by becoming a General Partner of the awards. As a General Partner of the awards, you will not only support the winner’s solutions but also create a universal platform together with the leading UN organization for sustainable industrial and economic development.
This includes prominent visibility at the award ceremony and beyond, alongside the opportunity to create a network with key decision-makers, industry leaders, and innovators. Additionally, this partnership serves as a basis for future-oriented investments and signals a true commitment to driving meaningful change for sustainability.
You can take financial leadership in one of the award categories, such as the Innovative Start-up Award, Women in Industry Award, or the Sustainable Supply Chain Award. This allows you to directly align with the winners’ brand and mission, with specific areas of sustainability that resonate most with your values and interests.
How to Apply
Applications will open soon. Stay updated via UNIDO’s official website.
For further information please contact our expert team in Vienna: award@unido.org