The United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) recognizes and supports leadership, innovation, and public engagement at the intersection of water, environment, sustainability, and social impact through a growing portfolio of international awards and recognition initiatives.
Youth Champion in Environmental Action & Awareness Award
Launched in 2025 in partnership with the International Peace Festival, the Youth Champion in Environmental Action & Awareness Award recognizes outstanding young leaders aged 15–24 for their contributions to environmental stewardship, water security, climate action, sustainability innovation, and community engagement. Presented during the festival in Toronto, the award celebrates youth advancing practical solutions and supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through activism, research, innovation, storytelling, and inclusive leadership, reflecting UNU-INWEH’s commitment to empowering the next generation of changemakers.
Global Media Awards: “Water Bankruptcy — Every Drop Counts”
Launched in 2026 under UNU-INWEH’s Global Media Academy, the Global Media Awards (GMAs): “Water Bankruptcy — Every Drop Counts” recognizes excellence in journalism, documentary production, digital storytelling, and media innovation addressing global water challenges. Open to broadcasters, filmmakers, journalists, and digital creators worldwide, the awards celebrate solutions-oriented and evidence-based storytelling across television and digital media categories, while advancing public understanding of water security as a critical environmental, social, economic, and peacebuilding issue in support of UNU-INWEH’s mission to bridge science, policy, communication, and public engagement.