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 broadened its scope by introducing the WIN WIN Youth Award, which empowers young leaders aged 13 to 29 who are actively driving sustainability initiatives in their communities. This expansion highlights 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 functions from its secretariat in Gothenburg, guided by a well-organized governance structure that incorporates expert juries, a board of directors, an advisory board, and a nomination committee. Annually, the award focuses on a particular theme that highlights pressing global issues. Recipients are selected by an independent jury made up of professionals whose expertise covers 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.
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 spotlighting specific global challenges each year, the award encourages practical solutions that have the potential to create lasting social and environmental impact, inspiring others to adopt similar approaches in their own contexts.
A platform for collaboration and learning
Beyond recognizing achievements, the WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award functions as an international platform for education, dialogue, and cooperation. Seminars, workshops, and public events organized under its umbrella provide opportunities for exchanging ideas, sharing best practices, and developing strategies to address pressing sustainability issues.
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 blend of acknowledgment, monetary backing, and the exchange of knowledge fosters a setting where sustainable projects can flourish and expand. The WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award not only honors previous accomplishments but also acts as a driving force for future endeavors, motivating both present-day leaders and up-and-coming talents to contribute to a more just and eco-friendly 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.
