UN Calls for Global “Heroes of Tomorrow” in 2026 SDG Awards Push
Dubai — The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Action Campaign has opened applications for the 2026 SDG Action Awards, seeking individuals and organizations worldwide driving progress on development, equality and climate goals, with submissions accepted from April 15 to May 17.
The “Heroes of Tomorrow: UN SDG Action Awards” is a global initiative recognizing efforts aligned with the UN SDG Action Campaign and the broader Sustainable Development Goals agenda.
The awards, launched as part of the SDG Global Festival of Action, highlight work across areas including climate action, gender equality, education and peacebuilding.
Marina Ponti, global director of the campaign, said the program aims to amplify voices from underserved communities leading transformative change. She described awardees as individuals who act decisively despite constraints and demonstrate commitment to building a more equitable and sustainable world.
Ponti said the 2026 edition will feature three categories: Changemaker, recognizing leadership in justice and peace; Creativity, focusing on initiatives using art and innovation; and Resilience, highlighting efforts addressing conflict, inequality and climate pressures.
Past awardees include Syrian refugee Jin Dawod, whose mental health platform supports displaced communities across 26 countries, and Julienne Lusenge, known for her work supporting survivors of gender-based violence and advancing peacebuilding in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to Ponti, the program has received around 5,500 applications from 190 countries in recent years, with entries assessed on impact, scalability and innovation, alongside what she described as a distinguishing “wow factor.”
She noted disparities in application volumes due to barriers such as language and access, with a higher share of submissions coming from English-speaking countries. The campaign is exploring measures to improve inclusivity through expanded outreach, language support and partnerships.
Ponti added that governments can strengthen participation by investing in local initiatives through funding, training and capacity-building programs to help scale grassroots solutions.
Finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony scheduled for later in the year.
