Deadline Date: June 30, 2026
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has opened applications for the ONE World Sustainability Awards 2026, a prestigious global initiative that recognises and promotes ground-breaking contributions to sustainable industrial development worldwide.
The award focuses on three core categories, Sustainable Supply Chains, Innovative Start-Ups, and Women in Industry. Key themes include measurable progress across environmental, social, and economic dimensions, scalability of sustainable practices, circular economy approaches, gender equality embedded in corporate strategy, and alignment with global sustainability and governance standards.
Applicants benefit from the high credibility of a United Nations award, global visibility as part of a platform with 173 Member States and innovators, and an independent jury of distinguished sustainability and industry experts.
For Sustainable Supply Chains, any company managing supply chains at a regional or global level, including manufacturers, cooperatives, and ethical sourcing programs, can apply. For Innovative Start-Ups, eligible applicants must typically be five years old or less, have fewer than 50 employees, and be fully operational in the market. For Women in Industry, initiatives must benefit women throughout the entire company, demonstrating leadership inclusion, skills development in technical and STEM roles, measurable evidence of career advancement and equal pay, and long-term commitment to replication across sectors.
Organizations can partner with UNIDO as a Legacy Partner, contributing to the general aspects of the awards while gaining prominent visibility and access to exclusive networks, or as a Category Partner, taking financial leadership in one or more award categories to directly align their brand with specific sustainability areas. Partnership options are flexible, covering prize money, capacity-building, mentorship, and in-kind support such as logistics and media outreach. Winners benefit from access to capital, markets, strategic networking, and capacity development, while partners gain lasting impact, ongoing visibility, and brand association with a global sustainability leader well beyond the award ceremony.
For more information, visit United Nations Industrial Development Organization.
