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
In the last twenty years, the award has evolved into a standard for recognizing groundbreaking efforts that blend environmental care with social accountability and economic strength. Its list of honorees resembles a who’s who of worldwide influencers, featuring individuals like Gro Harlem Brundtland, Al Gore, and Kofi Annan. Notable entities such as the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and Kalundborg Symbiosis, as well as progressive cities like Seoul, South Korea, have also been honored for their impactful 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 operates from its secretariat in Gothenburg, under a structured governance framework that includes expert juries, a board of directors, an advisory board, and a nomination committee. Each year, the award centers on a specific theme that reflects urgent global challenges. Laureates are chosen by an independent jury composed of professionals with expertise spanning academia, civil society, business, and the public sector.
Recipients of the main prize are awarded SEK 1,000,000 in addition to a symbolic trophy made from materials related to the annual theme. This blend of financial backing and acknowledgment highlights the award’s mission to promote impactful initiatives that provide lasting 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 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 emphasis on collaboration broadens the award’s impact well beyond the ceremony, nurturing relationships among policymakers, entrepreneurs, academics, and members of civil society. Through the facilitation of these interactions, the award aids in creating a more informed and engaged global community that is capable of driving significant change.
Motivating the next 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 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.
