The 2025 UN SDG Action Awards took place on Wednesday, honoring individuals and organizations working towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The event, now in its eighth year, selected winners from more than 5,500 entries submitted from 190 countries.
The awards were divided into three categories: Changemaker, Creativity and Resilience, with one additional honorable mention.
Congratulating the winners, Marina Ponti, Global Director of the UN SDG Action Campaign, said, “We can all be tomorrow’s heroes. Let’s not be discouraged by the weight of inequality. Let’s move forward with the power of possibility. Because the future is not something we inherit – it is something we shape together.”
Addressing violence against women
This year’s Changemaker Award was shared by two recipients. Julienne Lusenge, a human rights lawyer from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was recognized for her efforts to address violence against women and promote peacebuilding.
“I thank the UN SDG Action Campaign on behalf of all Congolese women, girls, men and boys who fight every day for peace, justice and their dignity,” said Sandrine Lusamba, who was there to accept the award on behalf of Julien Lusenge.
The second recipient, Zin Dawud, founded a mental health platform for displaced people after fleeing the war in Syria. Their work provides psychological support to thousands of refugees.
“I wish I could tell my younger self that she would stand in the light and turn that pain into purpose. To everyone who is at the weakest and darkest point in their life, I am your message from the future. This award is not the end, it is the beginning,” David said.
improving food security
The Creativity Award was given to Smartel Agri-Tech, a Nigerian initiative seeking to improve food security in Africa. The organization uses hydroponic farming, a soil-less method of growing plants that delivers nutrient-rich water directly to the roots. This approach aims to create new income opportunities for women, youth and small farmers.
Smart Israel, Founder of Smartel Agri-Tech, said, “Every young dreamer listening to me today should always remember that we are the bridge between the failures of the past and the blessings of the future. Now is the best time for you to act. Wake up, build with compassion, innovate with love and tackle the world’s biggest challenges because you can.”
The Brazilian organization CUFA (Central Unica das Favelas) received the Resilience Award for its programs in urban communities. CUFA focuses on education, creativity and innovation, engaging millions of people globally.
“CUFA stands for Unified Central of Favelas,” said Marcus Vinicius Athayde, president of the organization. “It’s about supporting and giving opportunities to communities, children, women and men. We want everyone to be able to live without poverty and inequality.”
combating statelessness
UNHCR’s #IBelong campaign was given an honorable mention for its work to reduce statelessness. The campaign has influenced legal reforms and granted nationality to previously stateless individuals.
Campaign representative Maha Mamo said, “Statelessness is an invisible cage…Through the #iBelong campaign, laws were changed, solutions were found and many ultimately came into existence.”
The ceremony included performances by Italian singer-songwriter Deodato and Nigerian artist Cil.
The awards are organized by the United Nations SDG Action Campaign, hosted by the United Nations Development Programme, supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Edited by: M Gagnon