Sustainable Impact Awards
2026
USKD Sustainable Impact Awards 2026
Launched by the International Association of Women in Sustainable Development (USKD),
the Sustainable Impact Awards are organized to highlight institutions, initiatives,
academic studies, and individual leaders contributing to sustainable development;
to support the dissemination of best practices; and to strengthen women's leadership.
Conceived as a long-term, sustainable award brand, the program aims to encourage
initiatives that generate measurable impact in environmental, social, and economic
spheres, facilitate the sharing of successful practices developed across various
sectors, and pave the way for new collaborations driving sustainable transformation.
Award Categories
Applications for the Sustainable Impact Awards will be accepted in the following categories:
• Large-Scale Company
• SME
• Social Enterprise
• Academic Work
• Sustainability Leader
• Jury’s Special Award
Applications will cover initiatives, projects, and practices undertaken by institutions, enterprises, academics, and individual leaders that contribute to at least one United Nations Sustainable Development Goal.
Evaluation Process
Applications will be evaluated out of 100 points by an independent jury representing diverse fields of expertise. The evaluation process will be based on the following criteria:
• Sustainability impact – 30 points
• Innovation – 20 points
• Measurable results – 20 points
• Social impact – 15 points
• Scalability/Replicability – 10 points
• Women's leadership and inclusivity – 5 points
Each jury member will score the applications independently, and the final result will be determined by calculating the average of the valid scores awarded by the jury members. The evaluation process will be conducted in accordance with the principles of impartiality, transparency, independence, confidentiality, adherence to ethical standards, and the prevention of conflicts of interest.
Event Calendar
Applications for the 2026 Sustainable Impact Awards will be accepted from September 1 to September 30, 2026.
Following a preliminary review of the applications, the jury evaluation will take place on October 5, 2026,
and award recipients will be notified on October 12, 2026.
The awards will be presented at a ceremony to be held in İzmir on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
The award recipients and standout sustainability practices will be announced to the public
through communication and media activities on October 28, World Sustainability Day.
Stakeholder and Collaboration Approach
The award program is designed to be implemented through a broad stakeholder network comprising representatives from the business world, academia, civil society, the financial sector, women entrepreneur networks, professional organizations, and the media.
Supporting institutions and sponsors involved in the program will contribute to disseminating the call for awards to diverse stakeholder groups, increasing the visibility of best practices in sustainability, and transforming the award ceremony into a platform for robust collaboration.
The Sustainable Impact Awards aim not only to recognize successful initiatives but also to acknowledge, share, and scale up practices that drive sustainable transformation, while fostering a network for lasting impact in the field of sustainability.
