Since 2000, the WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award has recognized individuals and organizations making a lasting difference for people and the planet. Established in Gothenburg, Sweden, this prestigious award brings together leaders from politics, business, and academia to honor efforts that foster 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 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.
Framework, administration, and selection procedure
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.
Addressing pressing global challenges
Recent editions of the award have emphasized the importance of leadership, systemic innovation, and community engagement in driving sustainable change. The 2026 theme, Gender-Equal Societies, highlights individuals and organizations advocating for equitable laws, access to education, economic independence, and female leadership in climate action and community development. This focus reinforces a critical principle: achieving gender equality is essential not only as a human right but also as a cornerstone for peace, democracy, and resilient societies.
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 acknowledging accomplishments, the WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award serves as a global platform for education, dialogue, and collaboration. Seminars, workshops, and public events held under its auspices offer opportunities for exchanging ideas, sharing best practices, and formulating strategies to tackle urgent sustainability challenges.
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 blend of acknowledgment, monetary backing, and the exchange of knowledge fosters a setting where sustainable projects can flourish and expand. The WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award not only honors previous accomplishments but also acts as a driving force for future endeavors, motivating both present-day leaders and up-and-coming talents to contribute to a more just and eco-friendly 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.
