The 2025 UN SDG Action Awards took place Wednesday, presenting honors to individuals and organizations working toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The event, now in its eighth year, featured winners selected from more than 5,500 entries submitted from 190 countries.
The awards were divided into three categories: Changemaker, Creativity and Resilience, with an additional honorable mention.
“We can all be heroes of tomorrow. Let’s not be frozen by the weight of inequality. Let’s be moved by the power of possibility. Because the future is not something we inherit — it’s something we shape together,” said Marina Ponti, Global Director of the UN SDG Action Campaign, as she congratulated the winners.
Addressing violence against women
This year’s Changemaker Award was shared by two recipients. Julienne Lusenge, a human rights advocate from the Democratic Republic of Congo, was recognized for her efforts to address violence against women and promote peace building.
“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 collect the award on behalf of Julienne Lusenge.
The second recipient, Jin Dawod, founded a mental health platform for displaced people after fleeing the war in Syria. Her work provides psychological support to thousands of refugees.
“I wish I could have told my younger self that she would stand in light and turn that pain into purpose. Everyone who is in their weakest and darkest point in their life, I am your message from the future. This award is not the end, it’s the beginning,” said Dawod.
Improving food security
The Creativity Award went to Smartel Agri-Tech, a Nigerian initiative trying to improve food security in Africa. The organization uses hydroponic farming, a soilless method of growing plants that delivers nutrient-rich water straight to the roots. The approach aims to create new income opportunities for women, youth, and smallholder farmers.
“To every young dreamer, listening to me today, always remember that we are the bridge between the failures of the past and blessings of the future. Now is the best time for you to act. Wake up, build with compassion, innovate with love and take up the world biggest challenges because you can” said Smart Israel, the founder of Smartel Agri-Tech.
Brazilian organization CUFA (Central Única das Favelas) received the Resilience Award for its programs in urban communities. CUFA focuses on education, creativity, and innovation within favelas, engaging millions of people globally.
“CUFA means Unified Central of Favelas,” said Marcus Vinícius Athayde, the organization’s president. “It is about giving support and opportunities to communities, kids, women and men. We want everyone to live without poverty and inequality.”
Combating statelessness
The UNHCR‘s #IBelong Campaign was given an honorable mention for its work to reduce statelessness. The campaign has influenced legal reforms and provided nationality to previously stateless individuals.
“Statelessness is an invisible cage. … Through the #IBelong Campaign, laws changed, solutions were found, and many finally belong,” said Maha Mamo, the campaign’s representative.
The ceremony included performances by Italian singer-songwriter Diodato and Nigerian artist Cill.
The awards are organized by the UN SDG Action Campaign, hosted by the UN Development Programme, with support from the Italian Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry and Germany’s Economic Cooperation and Development Ministry.
Edited by: M Gagnon
