#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #Sustainability Awards #UNIDO #One World

UNIDO Celebrates Innovators with ONE World Sustainability Awards

On November 25, 2025, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) unveiled the recipients of the inaugural ONE World Sustainability Awards during the 21st General Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This event aimed to highlight the critical work of innovators dedicated to advancing sustainable and inclusive industrial development across the globe.

His Excellency Khalil bin Ibrahim bin Salamah, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Industrial Affairs, emphasized the transformative potential of these awards. In his address, he stated, “These awards send a clear message to the world. They demonstrate that profitability and positive impact can thrive together, and sustainability is no longer an option; it is a powerful economic driver.”

UNIDO's Director-General underscored in his inaugural speech the significance of this initiative, noting, “This marks the beginning of a movement where sustainability becomes the standard, not just an option. The winners demonstrate that innovation, responsibility, and success can go hand in hand. The choices we make today about production and consumption will affect our societies for generations to come. Together, we can forge a just, sustainable future filled with opportunities for all.”

Launching these awards during the Global Industry Summit 2025, UNIDO recognized achievements across four categories: Innovative Startups, Sustainable Supply Chains, Women in Industry, and Lifetime Achievement.

Winners of the Inaugural Awards

• - Sustainable Supply Chains: The award went to Nature Bio Foods, represented by Amit Singh. This Indian company collaborates with over 96,000 small farmers across India, Africa, and Europe, pioneering climate-resilient and carbon-neutral agricultural models.
• - Women in Industry: Norah Magero, CEO of Drop Access Limited in Kenya, received this award for her groundbreaking work in developing solar-powered cold chain solutions that support vaccine distribution and food systems across Africa.
• - Innovative Startups: WeLight Africa, led by Romain De Villeneuve, earned accolades for its efforts in accelerating rural electrification through sustainable mini-grid solutions in Madagascar, Mali, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• - Lifetime Achievement: Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland of Norway was honored as the first female prime minister and former Director-General of the WHO, recognizing her enduring legacy.

In her remarks, Magero reflected on the inspiration derived from the UNIDO's presence in Riyadh, saying, “The magnitude of the UNIDO here in Riyadh inspires us to amplify our innovations in cold chains and deepen Drop Access's impact in the communities that need them most.”

As the world faces pressing environmental challenges, these awards serve as a beacon of hope and encouragement for sustainable practices in industries worldwide. The collective efforts of the winners demonstrate the essential integration of sustainability within economic models—highlighting that progress and care for the planet can indeed coexist.

Collaboration between innovators and institutions like UNIDO will play an integral role in shaping a greener, more equitable world, where future generations can thrive in harmony with our planet.

For more information, please contact:
Ahmed Mansour
M: +966 54 186 9849
E: [email protected]