Looking back to 2025
Looking back to 2025
SDG Innovation Award 2025 ceremony with large international participation
For the fourth consecutive year, the Senate of the Economy and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) honored innovative pioneers. The award was presented to companies, initiatives, and cities and municipalities that are concretely implementing the global sustainability goals.
This year's award recognized initiatives from China, Sri Lanka, South Korea, India, Togo, Kenya, Indonesia, Portugal, Belgium, Switzerland and Germany nominated. The applications from 35 countries The results from five continents clearly demonstrate the global commitment to the SDGs, the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, Agenda 2030.
The participation of Dr. Silke Launert, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, as a representative of the Federal Government, underscored the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals during the award ceremony. Dr. Gerd Müller, Director-General of UNIDO, personally presented the awards to the winners for their outstanding commitment.
We warmly congratulate all the winners and nominees.
Overview of the 2025 award winners and nominees:
Companies are one of the most important pillars of our society, creating and supporting progress. Activities or projects to promote the achievement of the goals of SDGs are a small step, with a major impact on the entire structure. Exemplary commitment should be recognized in this category and serve as an inspiration and incentive for other economic operators.
Below you will find an overview of the nominated projects with a short profile.
The textile revolution: India's cotton is becoming fair and green
The International project „From Field to Fan Shop“ combines organic farming and social development through sport and responsible consumption. By converting the Cotton cultivation in India The shift from conventional to controlled organic farming creates a future-oriented supply chain that generates local and international impact.
Link to applicant: www.brands-fashion.com
The pioneer for the bicycle industry of the future
The Ralf Bohle GmbH demonstrates with the brand swallow This article explores how sustainability is implemented holistically in a medium-sized company. Through innovative measures such as... Tube and tire recycling system for bicycles The company sets standards for Circular economy and Climate protection. The supply chain extends as far as Indonesia, where the company sources fair trade products. natural rubber refers to.
Link to the applicant: https://www.schwalbe.com/
Innovative Energy and Agriculture solutions in Togo
SUNtec Togo presents an agri-solar system that combines clean energy with agricultural value creation and is a role model for energy-enabled rural transformation. Community outreach programs introduce farmers, youth, and women to sustainable farming and clean energy practices, fostering shared responsibility in strong cooperations.
Link to the applicant: www.suntec-togo.com
Renewable solar fuels for a fossil-free future
Synhelion produces renewable solar fuels to defossilize the transportation sector. The CleanTech company has developed a technology to produce synthetic, drop-in solar fuels that can directly replace fossil fuels. Decarbonization along the entire value chain is the consistent goal of Synhelion, especially focusing on sectors difficult to electrify, such as aviation.
Link to the applicant: https://synhelion.com/
Sustainable Development Solutions for Sri Lanka
HELP-O achieves a strong impact by empowering local populations and driving community development – especially in low-income areas. Their work integrates sustainable development through a holistic approach: combining environmental conservation and resource management with a clear commitment to social inclusion and protecting human and child rights.
Link to the applicant: www.helpo-srilanka.org
Electrified agriculture: VW creates opportunities in Africa
Volkswagen AG is setting itself apart with the Gen.Farm Project an innovative e-hub concept to promote agriculture and create jobs in sub-Saharan Africa. The project in Rwanda aims to use renewable energy to... To increase food production, to improve the quality of life of the local population and the Access to services to improve.
Link to the applicant: https://www.volkswagen-group.com/de
Tech-Driven Recycling & Community Impact in Indonesia
Polindo Utama is a driving force in Indonesia's circular economy. With a visionary approach to sustainability, Polindo is establishing a comprehensive recycling ecosystem that recycles over 2.8 billion bottles annually. By involving local communities, ensuring fair working conditions, and leveraging technology and partnerships, the company is making measurable contributions to several SDGs.
Link to the applicant: https://www.polindoutama.com/
Leading the way in sustainable fashion
Victus Dyeings, based in India, is a textile manufacturing and dyeing service with a strong focus on sustainability. Driven by the mission to create a A livable future for all, the company enforces reduction thinking across its entire supply chain, prioritizing efforts against Carbon, Waste, and Water use. Victus implements innovative measures and provides key social and health programs.
Link to the applicant: https://victus.in/
Pioneer of energy and biomass boiler technology
Lean Energy Solutions Limited presents an innovative business model to provide steam as a service to industrial clients across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. As a pioneer of biomass boiler technology in Eastern Africa, Lean Energy has reduced over 350,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions to date. Driving progress in the local economy and employment, the company is strongly committed to climate action through bamboo reforestation.
Link to the applicant: https://www.leansolutions.co.ke/
More Water Security – Less Energy Use
SEA Water is a Netherlands-based company advancing a new paradigm in freshwater access by combining renewable energy, high-efficiency desalination technology and local production. The approach uses up to 75% less energy than other methods. By linking ocean water and clean energy, SEA Water addresses three converging global challenges: water scarcity, climate change, and ocean degradation.
Link to the applicant: www.drinkseawater.com
As administrative units, cities, municipalities and districts assume responsibility for companies and people. It is important to maintain, promote and further develop cities, communities and districts as attractive locations in the future. The SDGs can serve as a compass here. With this category, we would like to honor cities, municipalities or districts that implement exemplary initiatives to secure the future of their location. The commitment of the administrative units does not necessarily have to end at the city or even state borders. This should serve as an inspiration for other cities, communities or districts and promote exchange.
Below you will find an overview of the nominated projects with a short profile.
Portugal's pioneer in implementing the 2030 Agenda
Cascais is Portugal's first municipality to adopt the SDGs. It localizes the 2030 Agenda through collaborative planning, aligning strategies and budgets with 16 SDGs. With measuring tools, the city ensures measurable, transparent progress toward inclusive and sustainable local development.
Link to applicant: https://ambiente.cascais.pt/
“From Coal to Rose” – Revitalization of a mining region
Zichuan demonstrates a powerful innovation shift by transforming a former coal region into a model for green development. By rebuilding the former mine site into a Clean-Energy Hub, the revitalization enables new economic sectors like rose cultivation, eco-tourism, and mine water reuse.
Link to applicant: www.zichuan.gov.cn
Setting new standards for sustainable urban transformation
Incheon aims for carbon neutrality by 2045, advancing climate action, energy transition, zero-energy buildings and social equity. By protecting mudflats and restoring marine habitats, the global city uses innovative nature-based solutions to boost biodiversity, demonstrating that environmental leadership and inclusion can progress together.
Link to applicant: https://www.incheon.go.kr/en/index
Local cryptocurrency for sustainable action and civic spirit
The Seocho “”Coin for All” initiative is a blockchain-based platform that rewards citizens for everyday environmentally friendly and social actions with points that can be used as local currency. The initiative aims to promote civic engagement and create a positive cycle for social transformation and the local economy.
Link to applicant: https://www.seocho.go.kr/site/fe/main.do
Hybrid nutrition model for better health and climate action
The City of Ghent outlines a local, health and environment oriented approach to school meals. With its project to convert school catering to a 50/50 distribution of animal and plant proteins, the city is focusing on healthy nutrition and climate resilience by reducing its carbon footprint and increasing the acceptance of plant proteins.
Links to the applicant:
https://stad.gent/nl
https://stad.gent/en/city-governance-organisation/city-policy/ghents-climate-actions/sustainable-food
Young people are the future. Their ideas and passion drive change. Guiding them and raising their awareness of sustainable development is pursued in a wide variety of mostly intrinsically motivated initiatives. With an award in this category, we want to draw social attention to these projects and thereby provide motivation and guidance that every effort is a step towards fulfilling the SDGs.
Below you will find an overview of the nominated projects with a short profile.
Education and Skills for a Sustainable Future
Capgemini, a global leader in transformation, empowers young people with essential digital and green skills to drive sustainable progress. Through its strategic partnership with UNICEF's Generation Unlimited and Green Rising, the collaboration opens access to education, climate action, and pathways to build a resilient, inclusive future with a special focus in the global south.
Link to the applicant: https://www.capgemini.com/de-de
Rice cultivation as a food source in West Africa
The Dreyer Foundation strengthens for 25 years The foundation promotes food security in Burkina Faso by supporting smallholder farming families in rice cultivation. Its own rice mill creates local added value and improves income, educational opportunities, and health. With its focus on agriculture, renewable energy, and education, the foundation demonstrates how Sustainable action, long-term living changed.
Link to the applicant: www.dreyerstiftung.de
Learning to understand the global SDGs through play
Sustain2030® simulation games from iCONDU GmbH are an interactive educational program that promotes systems thinking for sustainable development. The games convey knowledge about the complex interrelationships of the SDGs. Established at 40 universities and in companies, Sustain2030® empowers participants to effectively implement the SDGs and makes them tangible.
Link to the applicant: https://icondu.de/
Sustainable development through active participation
The Education Foundation strengthens the commitment to equal opportunities and education for sustainable development. It combines local support, participation, and empowerment with political impact and transfers successful models nationwide. Decisions are made through participatory processes, particularly with the active involvement of young people. The Education Foundation operates independently and as a non-profit organization.
Systems thinking for a sustainable future
SkillUp eV is an innovative concept that combines digital and analog methods.„"From practice for practice"“ uses to Future skills to develop. The program for developing potential is designed for all age groups. Through the open discussion complex conflicts of objectives SkillUp empowers learners to actively and effectively contribute to shaping a sustainable world..
Link to the applicant: www.skillup-teaching.de
Nominees for the SDG Innovation Award 2025
The German Senate of Economy and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) announce the nominees for the 2025 SDG Innovation Award. The nominees were selected by an independent panel of experts chaired by Dr. Martin Frick, Director of the Global Office of the World Food Programme. Submissions from 35 countries across five continents clearly demonstrate the strong global commitment to the SDGs.
In the three categories of "Companies," "Youth & Education," and "Cities, Municipalities, and Districts," a total of 20 applications were nominated for the 2024 SDG Innovation Award. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on December 6, 2025, in Munich. We thank all of this year's applicants for their valuable commitment and submissions.
The nominees are (in alphabetical order):
Companies
Brands Fashion
Help-O (Sri Lanka)
Lean Energy Solutions Limited (Kenya)
Polindo Utama (Indonesia)
Ralf Bohle GmbH, Schwalbe
Sea Water (Netherlands)
Suntec Togo (Togo)
Synhelion AG (Switzerland)
Victus Dyeings (India)
Volkswagen Group
Youth & Education
Capgemini
Dreyer Foundation
iCONDU GmbH
SkillUp eV
Foundation for Education
Cities, municipalities & districts
Cascais, Portugal
City of Ghent, Belgium
Incheon, South Korea
Seocho-gu, District Office Seoul, South Korea
Zichuan District, Shandong China