#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #UNIDO #ONE World Awards

The Inaugural One World Sustainability Awards Announced in Riyadh

On November 24, 2025, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) recognized remarkable contributions to sustainable development at the first-ever One World Sustainability Awards ceremony. This prestigious event took place during the twenty-first session of the UNIDO General Conference (GC21) held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Celebrating the relentless spirit of innovation, the awards spotlighted individuals and organizations fostering sustainable industrial practices worldwide.

The Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources of Saudi Arabia, Eng. Khalil bin Ibrahim bin Salamah, emphasized the profound impact of these awards. He stated, "These awards send a clear message to the world. They demonstrate that profitability and positive impact can coexist and that sustainability is no longer an option but a potent economic driver."

In his opening speech, the Director-General of UNIDO heralded this initiative as the commencement of a transformative movement. He noted, "This is the beginning of a movement where sustainability is not an option but a standard. The laureates illustrate that innovation, responsibility, and success can coexist. The decisions we make today on how we produce and consume will affect our societies for generations to come. Together, we can shape a fair, sustainable future rich in opportunities for all."

Award Categories and Key Winners

Launched within the framework of the 2025 Global Industry Summit, the One World Sustainability Awards highlighted contributions across four key categories:

• - Innovative Startups
• - Sustainable Supply Chains
• - Women in Industry
• - Lifetime Achievement

Among the notable awardees was Nature Bio Foods, represented by Amit Singh, who received the Sustainable Supply Chain award. Based in India, the company collaborates with over 96,000 smallholder farmers across India, Africa, and Europe, pioneering carbon-neutral and climate-resilient agricultural models.

Norah Magero, CEO of Drop Access Limited in Kenya, was honored with the Women in Industry award for her groundbreaking innovation in solar-powered cold chain logistics, facilitating vaccine distribution and food systems across Africa. Her success underscores the pivotal role women play in driving industrial progress.

WeLight Africa, under the leadership of Romain De Villeneuve, was awarded the Innovative Startups prize for its efforts in enhancing rural electrification through sustainable mini-grid solutions in Madagascar, Mali, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

A distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred to Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland from Norway, the first woman to serve as Prime Minister of her country and a former Director-General of the World Health Organization. Her lifelong dedication to sustainability and public health has set benchmarks for future generations.

A Call to Action for Sustainability

Norah Magero expressed the significance of the awards, stating, "The scale of UNIDO's efforts here in Riyadh inspires us to advance our innovations within the cold chain sector and to enhance Drop Access's impact on the most vulnerable communities."

In conclusion, the One World Sustainability Awards not only celebrate achievements but also call for a collective commitment to realizing a sustainable industrial future. The stories of these laureates showcase that through innovation, collaboration, and responsible action, a brighter, sustainable tomorrow is indeed achievable.