UNIDO Celebrates Sustainability Innovations at the Inaugural ONE World Sustainability Awards in Riyadh

On November 24, 2025, UNIDO held the inaugural ONE World Sustainability Awards during the twenty-first session of its General Conference (GC21) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This event is a testament to the ongoing commitment to sustainable, inclusive industrial development on a global scale.

The awards ceremony highlighted the significant contributions of various individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing sustainability through innovative practices. H.E. Khalil bin Ibrahim bin Salamah, the Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Industrial Affairs in Saudi Arabia, underscored the importance of these awards during his speech, stating, "These awards send a clear message to the world. They show that profitability and positive impact can thrive side by side, and sustainability is no longer a choice but a powerful economic drive."

In his introductory remarks, UNIDO's Director General emphasized that this initiative marks the beginning of a movement where sustainability is not merely an option but becomes a standard. He pointed out, "The winners show us that innovation, responsibility, and success can go hand in hand. The choices we make today - concerning how we produce and consume - will impact our societies today and tomorrow. Together, we can shape a future that is equitable, sustainable, and filled with opportunities for all."

Launched as part of the Global Industry Summit 2025, the ONE World Sustainability Awards celebrate remarkable achievements across four distinct categories: Innovative Startups, Sustainable Supply Chains, Women in Industry, and Lifetime Achievement.

Among the winners, Nature Bio Foods, represented by Amit Singh, took home the award for Sustainable Supply Chains. The organization collaborates with over 96,000 smallholder farmers across India, Africa, and Europe, developing climate-resilient and carbon-neutral agricultural models that are vital in today’s changing environment.

The Women in Industry Award was presented to Norah Magero, the CEO of Drop Access Limited, a Kenyan company recognized for her efforts in innovating solar-powered cold-chain solutions that have greatly enhanced vaccine distribution and food security across the African continent.

Another notable achievement was awarded to WeLight Africa, led by Romain De Villeneuve, who captured the Innovative Start-ups Award for their work in promoting rural electrification through sustainable mini-grid solutions in Madagascar, Mali, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their ground-breaking work directly contributes to the sustainability and improvement of rural communities.

Lastly, the Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, the first female Prime Minister of Norway and a former Director-General of the World Health Organization. Her extensive career has showcased her unwavering commitment to sustainable development and public health.

Norah Magero expressed her gratitude, stating, "The scale of UNIDO here in Riyadh inspires us to advance our cold-chain innovations and deepen Drop Access's impact for the communities that need them most."

These awards serve not only as recognition for hard work and dedication but also as an encouragement for future initiatives that aim to balance profitability with the sustainability of our planet. UNIDO’s efforts to honor these champions in sustainable development mark a significant step towards a more sustainable future.

The event in Riyadh is a harbinger of the growing recognition that sustainable initiatives should be at the forefront of industrial development strategies worldwide. As we look ahead, it is clear that innovating toward sustainability is not just desirable; it is imperative for the health of our planet and the well-being of future generations.