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.
Framework, administration, and selection procedure
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 receive SEK 1,000,000 along with a symbolic trophy crafted from materials connected to the annual theme. This combination of financial support and recognition underscores the award’s mission to foster impactful initiatives that deliver long-term benefits for communities and the environment.
Addressing pressing global challenges
Recent editions of the award have emphasized the importance of leadership, systemic innovation, and community engagement in driving sustainable change. The 2026 theme, Gender-Equal Societies, highlights individuals and organizations advocating for equitable laws, access to education, economic independence, and female leadership in climate action and community development. This focus reinforces a critical principle: achieving gender equality is essential not only as a human right but also as a cornerstone for peace, democracy, and resilient societies.
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 hub for teamwork and education
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 focus on collaboration extends the award’s influence far beyond the ceremony itself, fostering connections between policymakers, entrepreneurs, academics, and civil society actors. By facilitating these interactions, the award contributes to building a more informed and engaged global community capable of driving meaningful change.
Inspiring future 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 unwavering dedication to sustainability, innovation, and education, the award consistently establishes a high benchmark for international acknowledgment in the sector. It illustrates how strategic partnerships and forward-thinking leadership can create solutions that advantage both humanity and the environment for future generations.
