Recognizing Changemakers Through a Transparent, Multi-Stage Process

SIERA Impact Awards Process

The SIERA Impact Awards spotlight innovation, impact, and leadership across SDG advancement and sustainability initiatives. 

To ensure fairness, credibility, and community trust, each nomination undergoes a clear, multi-step process — from initial application to global recognition.

SIERA Impact Awards Timeline & Process

Your Path to Recognition: Step-by-Step

From application to award ceremony, here’s what you can expect:

Step 1:

Submit Your Preliminary Application

Start with a simple form describing your initiative, organization, or project. This helps us assess your eligibility and alignment with category themes.

Deadline: 31 December 2025

Step 2:

Internal Review & Shortlisting

Our review team evaluates all entries based on innovation, relevance, and early indicators of impact. Top 10 finalists per category move forward.

Tentatively by 31 January 2026

Step 3:

Finalists Submit Full Applications

Shortlisted finalists are invited to provide more detailed insights, supporting media, and measurable outcomes.

Deadline: 28 February 2026

Step 4:

Public Voting Opens

Finalist profiles go live. The global community is invited to vote, offering a transparent layer of engagement and recognition.

01 March to 30 April 2026

Step 5:

Winners Announced

Winners are celebrated during the official SIERA Awards virtual ceremony, joining a global network of impact leaders.

30 July 2026

Why This Process Matters

We believe recognition should be earned through transparency, integrity, and real-world impact — not just popularity.
That’s why the SIERA Impact Awards balance expert insight with public voice to ensure each award has meaning, merit, and credibility.

Recognizing Excellence in Achievements in UN's Sustainable Development Goals and Pioneers in Sustainable initiatives.

Scope of the SIERA Awards

The SIERA Impact Awards are open to everyone — from individuals and startups to corporations, governments, and academic institutions. If your work creates measurable change, we want to celebrate it.

We honor changemakers advancing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals with proven global impact, as well as leaders and organizations setting benchmarks in sustainability through the Chief Sustainability Officer of the Year and Most Sustainable Company of the Year awards.

Award Categories

Covering 17 SDG Awards and 2 Sustainability Awards — inclusive of both emerging and developed economies.

Eligibility

Open to non-profits, public and private sectors, and academic institutions worldwide.

Global Reach

A hybrid model offering both virtual and in-person exposure — with finalists showcased to a global audience.

Transparent Evaluation

A two-phase process ensures fairness and credibility. Top 10 applicants in each category are selected through internal review, followed by a public voting phase and final jury scoring. Evaluation is based on criteria such as innovation, alignment, transparency, scalability, and outcomes — not popularity.

Awards Ceremony

Finalists and winners are celebrated in a high-profile ceremony that brings together thought leaders, partners, and media. It’s a moment of global visibility — but also a powerful platform for collaboration and continued growth.

Post-Event Support

Our commitment doesn’t end with the award. Winners and finalists gain long-term visibility, access to exclusive networking sessions, social media promotions, and collaboration opportunities with the SIERA Alliance and EUTECH Chamber.

Note: Participation in a virtual test run is mandatory to confirm the award. Non-attendance may result in reallocation to the next highest-scoring candidate.

RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE IN SDG IMPACT AND SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP

Categories & Criteria Overview

The SIERA Impact Awards feature two categories that celebrate measurable progress on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and outstanding achievements in sustainability leadership.

SDG Awards Criteria

Alignment with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Focus on measurable impact, scalability, and replicability. Inclusive of initiatives from both emerging markets and developed economies.

Sustainability Awards Criteria

Recognizing excellence in sustainability leadership and organizational performance. Honoring Chief Sustainability Officers driving corporate transformation and companies setting global benchmarks through innovation, accountability, and measurable outcomes.