DUBAI: From refugee mental health platforms to grassroots climate solutions, the UN Sustainable Development Goals Action Campaign is searching for its next “Heroes of Tomorrow” as it opens applications for the 2026 UN SDG Action Awards.
The Heroes of Tomorrow: UN SDG Action Awards is a global initiative led by the UN SDG Action Campaign which recognizes individuals and organizations working towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Launched as part of the SDG Global Festival of Action, the awards spotlight changemakers working across issues such as climate action, gender equality, education, and peacebuilding.
The global Director of UN SDG Action Campaign, Marina Ponti, told Arab News that the campaign’s core mission is to give a voice to unheard communities who are pioneering change.
The global Director of UN SDG Action Campaign, Marina Ponti, told Arab News that the campaign’s core mission is to give a voice to unheard communities who are pioneering change. (Supplied)
“The Heroes of Tomorrow are people who choose to act — often in the face of incredible challenges. They’re not waiting for perfect conditions or for someone else to step in. They’re bold, persistent, and deeply committed to creating a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world,” she said.
Each year, the awards categories change to reflect the current global context, explained Ponti.
“The 2026 categories include Changemaker, which recognizes individuals leading action for justice, equality, and peace; Creativity, which highlights initiatives using art and innovation to inspire hope and action; and Resilience, which recognizes initiatives navigating conflict, inequality, and climate challenges,” she said.
One success story that came through this award program is that of Syrian refugee Jin Dawod and her mental health awareness platform.
The global Director of UN SDG Action Campaign, Marina Ponti, told Arab News that the campaign’s core mission is to give a voice to unheard communities who are pioneering change. (Supplied)
“Dawod, a mental health advocate, turned her own experience as a Syrian refugee into support systems that are now helping displaced communities across 26 countries,” said Ponti. “Through the awards, we have the privilege of shining a light on these changemakers.”
Ponti also highlighted the story of Julienne Lusenge, who dedicated her life to supporting survivors of gender-based violence while advancing peacebuilding in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ponti also highlighted the story of Julienne Lusenge, who dedicated her life to supporting survivors of gender-based violence while advancing peacebuilding in the Democratic Republic of Congo. (Supplied)
“These are not just inspiring stories — they are proof of what’s possible. And right now, we need them more than ever, because they show us that even in the most difficult circumstances, change is not only necessary — it’s already happening,” said Ponti.
The global director said the awards receive a large number of applicants, with around 5,500 submissions from 190 countries over the last couple of years. Applications are assessed based on three main criteria: impact, scalability and innovation. Ponti said these elements, plus “a wow factor” is what sets winners apart.
“Together, these elements help us identify initiatives that don’t just work, but can inspire and drive wider change,” she explained.
Despite receiving applications from all over the world, Ponti said there are some imbalances in where applications come from due to access, capacity, resources and language.
“The program is largely conducted in English. While we do translate the call for applications and try to make it as accessible as possible, language can still be a barrier. As a result, we tend to receive a higher number of applications from English-speaking countries,” she explained. “It’s something we’re very aware of, and we’re looking at ways to make the process more inclusive — whether through better outreach, more language support, or stronger partnerships on the ground — so that we can truly reflect the diversity of changemakers worldwide.”
Ponti said governments can further support the program by investing in local changemakers “through resources, capacity building, and opportunities to grow their skills and scale their work.”
She concluded: “What we’re really looking for are changemakers who are not only responding to today’s challenges, but pushing boundaries to build bridges to a more sustainable, equitable and peaceful future.”
Applications open on April 15 and are open until May 17. Finalists are invited to the award ceremony which takes place towards the end of the year.
