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
This award recognizes an inspiring young leader, aged 15 to 24, who has shown exceptional dedication to advancing water and environmental issues through activism, research, or community engagement. The recipient should embody innovation, resilience, and the ability to mobilize others. Their work may include leading grassroots campaigns, organizing clean-ups or awareness initiatives, developing innovative solutions for water and climate challenges, advocating for stronger environmental policies, or using creative platforms to engage communities. The award is open to nominees from Ontario, Canada, and highlights young leaders who amplify diverse perspectives, create opportunities for peer participation, and influence decision-making to advance sustainability and water security.
The Global Media Awards (GMAs) recognize excellence in journalism, documentary production, digital storytelling, and media innovation that advances public understanding of critical global water and environmental challenges. As an annual awards series, the GMAs celebrate broadcasters, filmmakers, journalists, and digital creators who use evidence-based, human-centred storytelling to highlight emerging issues, amplify diverse perspectives, and inspire informed action. By recognizing impactful narratives across television and digital media, the Awards promote solutions-oriented communication that bridges science, policy, and public engagement, while supporting global efforts toward water security, sustainability, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The GMAs encourage creative, rigorous, and responsible storytelling that transforms complex environmental challenges into accessible narratives and empowers audiences to engage with pathways toward resilience and positive change.