Is your goal to change the world for the better?
The SDG Awards honor sustainable projects and strategies that aspire to change the Czech Republic and the rest of the world for the better.
Our mission is to acknowledge innovative ventures with a positive impact on society and the planet.
Submit your project for the sixth edition of the SDG Awards and win a prestigious prize for promoting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in the Czech Republic.
SDG Awards are bestowed in the following categories
- Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion
- Education, Health, and Quality Life
- Innovation, Technology, and Energy
- Circular Economy
- Development Cooperation, Peace, and Partnership
- Young Leaders
- Climate Change
- European Commission Award
AwardsNew! ESG Rating. Join the first ever comprehensive comparison of businesses based on ESG parameters in the Czech Republic.
Timetable 2022
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April 22 to June 30 Registration
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July to September Evaluation
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September 20 to 26 Public vote
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October 13 Global Goals Summit and SDG Awards Ceremony
About SDG Awards
The SDG Awards are a unique program that rewards entrants for promoting the UN's Sustainability Development Goals.
Created in 2017 and having inspired the entire world since, the SDG Awards are the brainchild of the Association of Social Responsibility.
The SDG Awards provide an excellent opportunity to large global corporations as well as small and medium regional enterprises, including non-profit organizations, schools and municipalities, to showcase the ways in which their operations actively contribute to fulfilling the principles of sustainable development.
Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion
We all live on the same planet, and we can make each other's lives richer. Bearing that in mind, we reward projects that contribute to allowing all members of society, including vulnerable individuals, to put their talents to use and be respected. Does working with diverse people come to you naturally? Are you opposed to judging others based on their gender, disability, sexual orientation, social status or any other attribute? Do you strive to help women improve their social status and be treated fairly? Do you endeavor to alleviate inequality in society?
Education, Health, and Quality Life
Education and health are the key prerequisites for living a quality life in a sustainable world. Accordingly, we strive to give prominence to organizations and projects aligned with this objective. Does your project aim to make education accessible to all people without distinction? Do you pay close attention to the health of your employees, colleagues and vulnerable people? Do your activities help people live a quality life?
Innovation, Technology, and Energy
Novel concepts and innovative approaches advance the world toward a sustainable future. We support those who think of tomorrow today, while respecting our planet and aiming to secure dignified employment for everyone. Do you yearn for or create new sources of energy? Do you design infrastructure that is environmentally friendly and helps people? Do you develop innovations that change the world for the better?
European Commission Award
Accomplishing great feats is easier if we join forces. Bearing that in mind, the European Union supports outstanding projects through funding programs, and thanks to that, finances from the EU budget drive positive change. In cooperation with the European Commission, we will select the most promising ventures financed with the EU's assistance. The final decision on the awardee will be made by votes cast by the general public. The partner of the public vote will be TV Nova.
Circular Economy
Since we only have one planet, available resources must be used in a sustainable fashion. Hence, projects aimed at contributing to the circular economy through the efficient and innovate use of resources deserve to be rewarded. Do your ambitions include sustainable production and responsible consumption? Do you take a stand against wasteful practices, for example by minimizing the production of waste and in other ways? Do you create smart processes and technologies that recycle materials or extend the service life of products?
Development Cooperation, Peace, and Partnership
Cooperation is the key to the development of relations between nations, sectors and people. For this reason, we want to celebrate ventures that are based on cooperation or conform to the principles of global sustainable development. Do you pursue activities that help developing countries fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals? Does your project rely on a partnership between public administration, the private sector or a non-governmental organization – the Public Private Partnership? Do you support institutions contributing to maintaining peace as a prerequisite for cooperation?
Young Leaders
One of the forces that shape the future is the current young generation – their ideas, energy, and world views. For this reason, we support young leaders who contribute to attaining the Sustainable Development Goals through innovative, sustainable initiatives. Are you under the age of 30 and do you have a proven track record in the area of sustainable development? Come on board and inspire others.
The partner of the Young Leaders category is Forbes Česko. The winner will be included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
Climate Change
Climate change has causes and consequences. For a long time, experts have been warning that humankind must tackle the threat of the changing climate to ensure the sustainability of life on our planet. Taking that into account, we seek initiatives that set an example in this regard. Do your activities promote nature conservation, biodiversity or the renewal of ecosystems? Do you implement effective measures to reduce your carbon footprint? Do you propose innovative solutions as part of the fight against climate change?
ESG Rating
In cooperation with the CEMS/Master in International Management program at the University of Economics, the first comprehensive review comparing ESG activities, strategies and reporting practices of businesses in the Czech Republic will be carried out in the framework of the 2022 SDG Awards. Be one of the first companies to undergo a qualitative and quantitative assessment that will allow you to compare your business with other organizations based on European ESG ratings. ESG Rating will be published exclusively in the November issue of Forbes Czechia.
SDGs
In 2015, world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals (officially known as the Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs). These goals have the power to create a better world by 2030, by ending poverty, fighting inequality and addressing the urgency of climate change. Guided by the goals, it is now up to all of us, governments, businesses, civil society and the general public to work together to build a better future for everyone.
Eradicating poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice and the key to unlocking an enormous human potential. Still, nearly half of the world’s population lives in poverty, and lack of food and clean water is killing thousands every single day of the year. Together, we can feed the hungry, wipe out disease and give everyone in the world a chance to prosper and live a productive and rich life.
Hunger is the leading cause of death in the world. Our planet has provided us with tremendous resources, but unequal access and inefficient handling leaves millions of people malnourished. If we promote sustainable agriculture with modern technologies and fair distribution systems, we can sustain the whole world’s population and make sure that nobody will ever suffer from hunger again.
Over the last 15 years, the number of childhood deaths has been cut in half. This proves that it is possible to win the fight against almost every disease. Still, we are spending an astonishing amount of money and resources on treating illnesses that are surprisingly easy to prevent. The new goal for worldwide Good Health promotes healthy lifestyles, preventive measures and modern, efficient healthcare for everyone.
Education liberates the intellect, unlocks the imagination and is fundamental for self-respect. It is the key to prosperity and opens a world of opportunities, making it possible for each of us to contribute to a progressive, healthy society. Learning benefits every human being and should be available to all.
Gender bias is undermining our social fabric and devalues all of us. It is not just a human rights issue; it is a tremendous waste of the world’s human potential. By denying women equal rights, we deny half the population a chance to live life at its fullest. Political, economic and social equality for women will benefit all the world’s citizens. Together we can eradicate prejudice and work for equal rights and respect for all.
One in three people live without sanitation. This is causing unnecessary disease and death. Although huge strides have been made with access to clean drinking water, lack of sanitation is undermining these advances. If we provide affordable equipment and education in hygiene practices, we can stop this senseless suffering and loss of life.
Renewable energy solutions are becoming cheaper, more reliable and more efficient every day.Our current reliance on fossil fuels is unsustainable and harmful to the planet, which is why we have to change the way we produce and consume energy. Implementing these new energy solutions as fast as possible is essential to counter climate change, one of the biggest threats to our own survival.
Economic growth should be a positive force for the whole planet.This is why we must make sure that financial progress creates decent and fulfilling jobs while not harming the environment. We must protect labour rights and once and for all put a stop to modern slavery and child labour. If we promote job creation with expanded access to banking and financial services, we can make sure that everybody gets the benefits of entrepreneurship and innovation.
A functioning and resilient infrastructure is the foundation of every successful community. To meet future challenges, our industries and infrastructure must be upgraded. For this, we need to promote innovative sustainable technologies and ensure equal and universal access to information and financial markets. This will bring prosperity, create jobs and make sure that we build stable and prosperous societies across the globe.
Too much of the world’s wealth is held by a very small group of people.This often leads to financial and social discrimination. In order for nations to flourish, equality and prosperity must be available to everyone - regardless of gender, race, religious beliefs or economic status. When every individual is self sufficient, the entire world prospers.
The world’s population is constantly increasing.To accommodate everyone, we need to build modern, sustainable cities. For all of us to survive and prosper, we need new, intelligent urban planning that creates safe, affordable and resilient cities with green and culturally inspiring living conditions.
Our planet has provided us with an abundance of natural resources.But we have not utilized them responsibly and currently consume far beyond what our planet can provide. We must learn how to use and produce in sustainable ways that will reverse the harm that we have inflicted on the planet.
Climate change is a real and undeniable threat to our entire civilization.The effects are already visible and will be catastrophic unless we act now. Through education, innovation and adherence to our climate commitments, we can make the necessary changes to protect the planet. These changes also provide huge opportunities to modernize our infrastructure which will create new jobs and promote greater prosperity across the globe.
Healthy oceans and seas are essential to our existence.They cover 70 percent of our planet and we rely on them for food, energy and water. Yet, we have managed to do tremendous damage to these precious resources. We must protect them by eliminating pollution and overfishing and immediately start to responsibly manage and protect all marine life around the world.
A flourishing life on land is the foundation for our life on this planet.We are all part of the planet’s ecosystem and we have caused severe damage to it through deforestation, loss of natural habitats and land degradation. Promoting a sustainable use of our ecosystems and preserving biodiversity is not a cause. It is the key to our own survival.
Compassion and a strong moral compass is essential to every democratic society.Yet, persecution, injustice and abuse still runs rampant and is tearing at the very fabric of civilization. We must ensure that we have strong institutions, global standards of justice, and a commitment to peace everywhere.
The Global Goals can only be met if we work together.International investments and support is needed to ensure innovative technological development, fair trade and market access, especially for developing countries. To build a better world, we need to be supportive, empathetic, inventive, passionate, and above all, cooperative.
Who is behind the SDG awards?
The SDG Awards embody cooperation and partnerships between the nongovernmental sector, public administration and the private sector, referred to as the Public Private Partnership. As such, they fulfill the last of the 17 Goals – Partnership for the Goals.
Organizer
In partnership with
Partners
Media partners
ESG rating
Supported by
Be part of the effort
Do you have a project or a strategy that helps fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals in the Czech Republic or abroad?
Sign up for the 2022 SDG Awards and inspire other organizations to take part in sustainability efforts.
Projects can be registered from April 22 to June 30, 2022.
What are the rules?
Carefully read the terms and conditions to find out the criteria we use in assessing entries and how to submit your entry in an effective way.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the benefits?
Every year, the SDG Awards offer hundreds of Czech organizations an opportunity to compete for the internationally recognized SDG Award.
Benefits of joining:
- Become a leader in the sustainability effort
- Build your brand
- Improve the credibility of your project
- Inspire others
- See your project compared to the most sustainable ventures in the Czech Republic
- Get a chance to obtain financial assistance for your project under the Hello Země program
Who is eligible?
The SDG Awards are open to organizations whose endeavors actively fulfill the UN Sustainable Development Goals. To be eligible, an entrant must be a Czech organization that is either headquartered in the Czech Republic or operates abroad but has a direct link to the Czech Republic, such as a Czech founder. A new feature this season is the European Commission Award, which will separately reward projects financed under European Union programs.
The SDG Awards evaluate specific ventures that tackle various issues and have a concrete impact on society. In 2022, the SDG Awards will for the first time include ESG Rating, a category that will rate sustainability strategies based on ESG principles.
What is the deadline for submitting entries?
Registration for the 2022 SDG Awards starts on April 22, 2022. The deadline for making a submission is 23:59 on June 30, 2022
Who are the members of the juries?
The SDG Awards juries are comprised of independent experts, public officials, representatives of research organizations, academic institutions, the media and important persons who take part in efforts aimed at advancing sustainability in the Czech Republic.
A separate jury composed of experts on the applicable topic will evaluate each of the categories.
Can I submit multiple projects?
We reward specific projects. Multiple projects can therefore be submitted for the SDG Awards, which deal with different societal challenges. However, only one project may be submitted for one category.
Who is a Young Leader?
The Young Leaders category is intended for young innovators under 30 years of age who are active in promoting sustainable development and changing the Czech Republic for the better. We reward the personal contribution of leaders in the context of the societal impact of projects.
The specialist guarantor of this category is Forbes Česko. The winner of the Young Leaders category will be included in next year's Forbes 30 Under 30 list (to be included, the winner must not reach the age of 30 prior to February 2023).
No more than two project founders may register in this category and at least one must comply with the requirement of being under the age of 30.
What is the evaluation process?
After the deadline for submitting entries, all submitted projects are evaluated by an expert jury. The assessment process will take place from July to September 2022.
The evaluation process will differ depending on the category. The jury will shortlist no more than 10 projects whose authors will be invited to provide an in-person presentation. The winners of the European Commission Award will be selected in a public vote held from September 20 to 26, 2022 in cooperation with TV Nova, the media partner of the SDG Awards.
The results of all of the categories will be presented during the SDG Awards Ceremony on October 13, 2022. Only the authors of awarded projects will receive invitations to the closing ceremony.
How is ESG Rating awarded?
A new addition to this year's edition of the SDG Awards is the ESG Rating. Introduced in 2005, the ESG concept has spread around the world in recent years. It was initially used by investment companies, but the concept has been adopted in other economic sectors as well. As pressure grows on adopting responsible approaches to corporate governance, ESG principles are making their way to the legal systems of individual countries. This trend motivates more and more international institutions to report their ESG criteria for the purpose of setting benchmarks for assessing non-financial performance.
In cooperation with the CEMS/Master International Management program at the University of Economics in Prague, the first comprehensive methodology for benchmarking ESG activities, strategies and reporting practices of businesses in the Czech Republic has been created in the framework of the 2022 SDG Awards.
Registration in the ESG Rating category is a prerequisite for being included in the ESG Rating. The assessment will be carried out based on a non-financial report and a comprehensive questionnaire mapping the complete array of ESG criteria that must be completed and submitted, that you will receive from us after registration, followed by verification interviews.
More about ESG Rating here.
Is registration subject to a charge?
Participation in the SDG Awards and ESG Rating is free of charge.
In addition, registered projects will be eligible to take part in the Hello Země grant program offered by Hello bank! to promote sustainability. Last year, Hello bank! provided grants worth more than two million Czech crowns in support of 15 projects included in the SDG Awards.
For additional information about Hello Země, follow this link.
Where can additional information be obtained?
Unsure about the category into which your project falls? Need help with registration? Questions about the SDG Awards? Don’t hesitate to contact us.
Julie Borovcová, borovcova@a-csr.cz, +420 607 279 323
Ivana Kolářová, kolarova@a-csr.cz, +420 732 574 125
