Since 2000, the WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award has acknowledged individuals and organizations making a lasting impact on people and the planet. Founded in Gothenburg, Sweden, this esteemed award unites leaders from politics, business, and academia to celebrate initiatives that promote environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
A history of worldwide acclaim
Over the past two decades, the award has become a benchmark for acknowledging pioneering initiatives that integrate ecological stewardship with social responsibility and economic resilience. Its roster of laureates reads like a who’s who of global change-makers, including figures such as Gro Harlem Brundtland, Al Gore, and Kofi Annan. Prominent organizations like the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and Kalundborg Symbiosis, along with forward-thinking cities such as Seoul, South Korea, have also been celebrated for their transformative contributions.
In 2018, the award broadened its scope by introducing the WIN WIN Youth Award, which empowers young leaders aged 13 to 29 who are actively driving sustainability initiatives in their communities. This expansion highlights the importance of nurturing the next generation of changemakers, ensuring that innovative solutions continue to emerge worldwide.
Structure, governance, and selection process
The WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award operates from its secretariat in Gothenburg, under a structured governance framework that includes expert juries, a board of directors, an advisory board, and a nomination committee. Each year, the award centers on a specific theme that reflects urgent global challenges. Laureates are chosen by an independent jury composed of professionals with expertise spanning academia, civil society, business, and the public sector.
Recipients of the main prize are awarded SEK 1,000,000 in addition to a symbolic trophy made from materials related to the annual theme. This blend of financial backing and acknowledgment highlights the award’s mission to promote impactful initiatives that provide lasting benefits for communities and the environment.
Tackling urgent worldwide issues
Recent editions of the award have underscored the significance of leadership, systemic innovation, and community involvement in fostering sustainable change. The 2026 theme, Gender-Equal Societies, shines a light on individuals and organizations championing equitable legislation, educational access, economic autonomy, and female leadership in climate initiatives and community progress. This emphasis reinforces a vital principle: attaining gender equality is crucial not only as a fundamental human right but also as a foundation for peace, democracy, and resilient communities.
By highlighting particular worldwide issues annually, the award promotes practical solutions with the potential to generate enduring social and environmental effects, motivating others to embrace similar strategies within their own settings.
A platform for collaboration and learning
Beyond recognizing achievements, the WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award functions as an international platform for education, dialogue, and cooperation. Seminars, workshops, and public events organized under its umbrella provide opportunities for exchanging ideas, sharing best practices, and developing strategies to address pressing sustainability issues.
This emphasis on collaboration broadens the award’s impact well beyond the ceremony, nurturing relationships among policymakers, entrepreneurs, academics, and members of civil society. Through the facilitation of these interactions, the award aids in creating a more informed and engaged global community that is capable of driving significant change.
Inspiring future generations
The combination of recognition, financial support, and knowledge-sharing creates an environment where sustainable initiatives can thrive and scale. The WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award not only celebrates past achievements but also serves as a catalyst for future action, inspiring both current leaders and emerging talents to contribute to a more equitable and environmentally conscious world.
With its ongoing commitment to sustainability, innovation, and education, the award continues to set a high standard for global recognition in the field. It demonstrates how strategic collaboration and visionary leadership can generate solutions that benefit both people and the planet for generations to come.
