SDG Awards 2026 are open. Seeking those who no longer want to just watch
3/9/2026
Are you changing the world from a lab, a garage, the streets, or even through your own app? The SDG Awards 2026, the most prestigious sustainability awards in the Czech Republic, are looking for projects and individuals who deliver concrete solutions instead of just words. Applications are open from March 8 to April 22, 2026. The awards will culminate on September 17 in Prague at the Sustainability is not Dead summit. The SDG Awards have been organized by the Association of Social Responsibility since 2017. The general partner is the ČEZ Group.
“The SDG Awards are a globally unique recognition that we have had the opportunity to present even at the United Nations. They celebrate real change, the courage to tackle specific problems, measure impact, and take responsibility for it. This year, we are looking for voices that no longer want to wait for someone else to solve things for them—but take action,” says Lucie Mádlová, founder and director of the Association of Social Responsibility.
Since 2017, around 1,600 projects have gone through the SDG Awards. This prestigious recognition for advancing the UN’s global goals connects people across sectors, increases the credibility of those who take action, and amplifies voices that need to be heard. This year’s edition will honor “voices of change” across new categories.
SDGs Awards Categories for 2026
- Grrrls: A special award for women and girls who initiate tangible social change and actively contribute to solving current challenges.
- Health and Quality of Life: Recognizes projects and individuals improving physical and mental health and overall quality of life.
- Human Rights, Dignity and Social Justice: Honors initiatives and individuals supporting equal opportunities, human dignity, and the rights of disadvantaged groups.
- Democracy and Civic Engagement: Awards activities that strengthen democratic principles, civic participation, and trust in public discourse.
- Climate Change and Nature Protection: Highlights concrete and measurable solutions in climate and environmental protection.
- Innovation and Technology: Recognizes technological solutions contributing to positive social or environmental change with clearly defined benefits and measurable impact.
Both individuals and projects can apply. The key condition is real-world implementation and a clear impact. Participation is free of charge.
“For me, sustainability is not a strategy sitting in a drawer or a chapter in an annual report. It is a decision we make every day—in business and in our personal lives. Society needs more people who are not afraid to take responsibility and start acting instead of waiting. I’m glad the SDG Awards give a voice to these projects and individuals. Today, it is more important than ever,” adds Michaela Chaloupková, Member of the Board and Chief Sustainability Officer of the ČEZ Group.
Gravedigger, rabbi, oil worker, activist. Winners will be announced at the Sustainability is not Dead summit
The winners will be announced on September 17, 2026, at the Sustainability is not Dead summit. As part of a program blending activism and art, all winners will be given a platform to present their projects. Instead of traditional presentations, the program will feature powerful individual contributions, inspiring international speakers, confrontational interviews, performative segments, and short “manifestos.”
Winners will be selected by an expert jury composed of prominent figures from various fields, including polar biologist Marie Šabacká, surgeon and humanitarian mission participant Tomáš Šebek, executive director of the initiative Díky, že můžem Bára Stárek, and scientist and founder of the Klimatomluva project Daniel Kortus. The jury will be complemented by additional experts from media, science, public administration, and civil society.
However, the award itself is not the end goal—it is the beginning of collaboration. Winners and finalists become part of a sustainability leadership community that shares experience and strengthens the impact of its projects both domestically and internationally.
Winning means being part of change
Previous winners include projects with real societal impact—from the organization Omama, which supports the education of Roma children, to the initiative Česká krajina, which is reintroducing large herbivores into the Czech landscape, to the Záchranka app, which helps save lives across the country. Other awarded projects include Reknihy and a project by the Office of the Government of the Czech Republic focused on preventing domestic and sexual violence.
This diversity confirms that the SDG Awards recognize initiatives with tangible impact—from community-level efforts to systemic change. It is not about applause or the trophy itself—although this year’s trophies will once again be exceptional, created in collaboration with Atelier Šunčík. Above all, it is about visibility, support, and driving solutions to problems that cannot wait.
Practical information about the SDG Awards 2026:
- Applications: March 8 – April 22, 2026
- Who can apply: general public, non-profits, cities, regions, municipalities, companies, and individuals
- Categories: Grrrls; Health and Quality of Life; Human Rights, Dignity and Social Justice; Democracy and Civic Engagement; Climate Change and Nature Protection; Innovation and Technology
- Awards ceremony: September 17, 2026, in Prague at the Sustainability is not Dead summit
- More information and application form: www.cenysdgs.cz
