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 legacy of global recognition
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 expanded its reach by launching the WIN WIN Youth Award, which empowers young leaders aged 13 to 29 who are actively driving sustainability initiatives in their communities. This expansion underscores 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 functions from its secretariat in Gothenburg, guided by a well-organized governance structure that incorporates expert juries, a board of directors, an advisory board, and a nomination committee. Annually, the award focuses on a particular theme that highlights pressing global issues. Recipients are selected by an independent jury made up of professionals whose expertise covers academia, civil society, business, and the public sector.
Recipients of the main prize receive SEK 1,000,000 along with a symbolic trophy crafted from materials connected to the annual theme. This combination of financial support and recognition underscores the award’s mission to foster impactful initiatives that deliver long-term 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 focus on collaboration extends the award’s influence far beyond the ceremony itself, fostering connections between policymakers, entrepreneurs, academics, and civil society actors. By facilitating these interactions, the award contributes to building a more informed and engaged global community capable of driving meaningful 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 unwavering dedication to sustainability, innovation, and education, the award consistently establishes a high benchmark for international acknowledgment in the sector. It illustrates how strategic partnerships and forward-thinking leadership can create solutions that advantage both humanity and the environment for future generations.
