Dr. Gerd Müller is the Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and former Federal Minister. He has outstanding expertise in climate change, the environment, sustainability, and development policy. In his office as Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, he campaigned in particular for the Supply Chain Act and more responsibility within politics. His tenure as Federal Minister is closely linked to the signing of the SDGs.

What defines the SDGs?
The SDG Agenda is a central part of the global framework for preserving our livelihoods. They show us the way to a world without hunger, with access to health care, quality education, and clean water - for all. The global challenges can only be tackled through global cooperation with global responsibility. With the SDGs, the international community has given itself a pact for a better future. These are ambitious goals, but they are achievable. They demand solidarity and the spirit of innovation from all of us.

𝗪𝗮𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘂𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗻 SDG Innovation Award?
In recent years, we have experienced many setbacks in achieving the goals, not only as a result of the COVID pandemic, but also due to a lack of commitment in international development and economic cooperation. The engine is stalling. A new beginning is needed. A clear signal must be sent to politicians, business, and society. The German SDG Award will honor those who dare to try new things. It is intended to serve as a beacon for the private sector, motivate companies, and serve as a model for similar projects around the world.

Prof. Dr. Estelle Herlyn is the academic director of the Competence Center for Sustainable Development at the FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management and a professor of business administration, with a particular focus on procurement and sustainability, at the FOM in Düsseldorf. Her key areas of expertise include sustainability from a global perspective and corporate responsibility for sustainable development. In recent years, she has worked on various projects with the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and, together with the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), initiated, among other projects, the multi-stakeholder partnership Alliance for Development and Climate. 

In addition, Prof. Dr. Estelle Herlyn was appointed Ökologia – Ambassador of Ecology 2022 by the Foundation for Ecology and Democracy e.V. this year.

Why are the SDGs important?
The SDGs are the global frame of reference for sustainability. They illustrate the entire complexity of the topic and make it very clear that it is about much more than environmental and climate protection. They reflect the history of sustainability that began 50 years ago with Indira Gandhi.

Why do we need the SDG Innovation Award?
On the one hand, the SDG Innovation Award aims to raise awareness of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. This is where there is still a significant gap, not only in the business world. It also represents a great opportunity to give a platform to projects that truly have an impact, something we urgently need on a much larger scale than before.

Dieter Overath is the founder of Fairtrade Deutschland e.V. and former Chairman of Fairtrade Germany for 30 years. He is also a co-founder and board member of the Fairtrade Movement International. Fairtrade is committed to making a significant contribution to development and improving the lives of the people and families involved in production within growing countries. Fairtrade has set itself the task of promoting fairer conditions in world trade.

Why are the SDGs important? What characterizes them?
Without social justice in global trade, poverty reduction and opportunities for climate adaptation in the Global South will be difficult.

Why do we need the SDG Innovation Award?
Greater fairness and climate compatibility in business and consumption is a demand of the next generation – regardless of where they live. This is the benchmark and yardstick for achieving the SDGs and for the SDG Innovation Award.

Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès von Hattburg is a futurologist, keynote speaker, author, founder of sustainable startups, and Managing Director of the SRH Institute for Sustainable Management. As LinkedIn Top Voice Sustainability, President of the Club of Budapest Germany, Advisor to the Plant for the Planet Foundation, and member of the UN Ocean Decade, she is committed to sustainability in all areas. With GetYourWings, the learning space for future designers, she is developing formats for teaching digital and sustainable skills, including the multi-award-winning online learning game CODE AND SAFE THE PLANET. 

Why are the SDGs important? What characterizes them?

The SDGs represent a collective commitment to shape a more inclusive and sustainable world. The shared commitment to these goals creates a strong global community capable of tackling challenges such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. Collective action in the sense of the SDGs connects people, nations, and organizations across borders. Working together aims to ensure a better future for the next generations and leave a better world behind.

Why do we need an SDG Innovation Award?

The SDG Innovation Award highlights collective efforts for sustainable development. It recognizes individuals, organizations, and initiatives that are working together to achieve the SDGs, thereby strengthening a comprehensive movement for positive change. The SDG Awards create a platform for showcasing best practices and innovative approaches in the field of sustainable development. This raises awareness and increases pressure on governments and companies to recognize and implement their responsibility for the SDGs.

Prof. Dr. Henrik Müller is Professor of Corporate Communications and Business Ethics at the Fresenius University of Applied Sciences in Hamburg. He studied classical philology and history in Göttingen and Jena as well as classics in Oxford and, after completing his doctorate, began his professional career at the Bertelsmann Foundation in 2000. Hendrik Müller then moved to Oxford University as a lecturer in 2004, followed by positions at the FWF Science Fund in Vienna and at Bertelsmann in knowledge and education. Since 2017, he has been a business ethics and corporate communications professor at the Fresenius University of Applied Sciences in Hamburg.

Why are the SDGs important? What characterizes them?

The SDGs are an integral part of the 2030 Agenda, within the framework of which the global community has defined central economic, ecological, and social goals for a sustainable future for our planet. They address all social actors equally and can only be implemented together and in global interaction.

Why do we need the SDG Innovation Award?

Globally, we are not yet at the stage where we will be able to meet the goals set for 2030 in all areas. This makes it all the more important to use the SDG Innovation Award to highlight best practice examples in our country, thereby promoting innovative approaches and encouraging others to follow suit.