The Heroes of Tomorrow: UN SDG Action Awards 2026, an international recognition initiative by the United Nations SDG Action Campaign, is now open. The finalists who were selected will be invited to Rome, Italy, on 29 October 2026 to have the awards ceremony.
About the Award
The UN SDG Action Awards are an annual award that recognizes individuals, initiatives, and organizations that are achieving tangible advancements towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The program is organized by the UN SDG Action Campaign with the support of the UNDP and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation as well as the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development.
Key Details
• Name of the Program: Heroes of Tomorrow: UN SDG Action Awards 2026.
• Location: Rome, Italy
• Host: UN SDG Action Campaign, hosted by UNDP.
• Type of award: Global recognition program.
• Application Fee: No fee.
• Deadline: 17 May 2026
Award Categories
The 2026 version has three categories: Change maker, Creativity, and Resilience.
Change Maker Award: For individuals or self-nominations.
Creativity Award: To initiatives or organizations that have creative solutions.
Resilience Award: To initiatives or organizations that make long-term impact.
Benefits
The finalists will be selected and sponsored to travel to Italy during the ceremony and program-related activities. The opportunity will involve international travel, accommodation, and attending the awards in Rome.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants are supposed to possess an initiative or project with proven impact towards the SDGs. According to the official guidelines, the initiative should have a quantifiable outcome within the past three years, and the projects in the planning phase cannot be considered.
It is open to applicants regardless of their location worldwide, and former finalists or winners cannot reapply to the same initiative.
How to Apply
Through the official portal, the applicants are able to make their applications online. There are two types of applicants: a self-nominated change maker and initiative under the Creativity category or Resilience category depending on the category.
Official Application Link
Important Dates
Applications open: 15 April 2026
Deadline: 17 May 2026
Presentation: 29 October 2026 in Rome, Italy.
Final Note
It is an exclusive international chance to change makers who practice sustainable development, social impact, and innovation. The applications are encouraged to be made as soon as possible and the official eligibility rules are to be reviewed before the application is submitted.