The 2025 Equator Prize Award Ceremony will honour ten exceptional nature-based solutions led by Indigenous Peoples and local communities worldwide. The event highlights the critical role these groups play in protecting ecosystems, advancing climate action, and supporting sustainable livelihoods. This year’s winners will receive between US$15,000 and $25,000 in recognition of their efforts to restore landscapes, safeguard biodiversity, and promote inclusive, climate-resilient development. The awardees represent initiatives from Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Papua New Guinea, Peru, and Tanzania, showcasing the global impact of community-driven climate solutions.
UNDP leaders emphasise that the prize celebrates far more than environmental action—it elevates local knowledge, cultural stewardship, and the leadership of frontline communities. Under the theme “Nature for Climate Action,” the ceremony will highlight achievements in climate mitigation, just transitions, and climate adaptation and resilience. Each winning initiative will share insights on how Indigenous and local leadership is restoring ecosystems, strengthening sustainable economies, and building resilience to climate impacts.
The event will feature an inspiring lineup of speakers, including actress and youth advocate Anushka Sen; Indigenous environmental activist Helena Gualinga; Indigenous leader Vanda Witoto; and Zambian climate-finance innovator Maggie Bukowa, who will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Representatives from all ten winning initiatives will actively participate in the celebration.
The ceremony will take place on 11 December at 9:00 AM EST and will be streamed online, including through UNDP’s YouTube channel. The Equator Initiative, led by UNDP, brings together diverse partners to advance local, nature-based sustainable development solutions and support community leadership in biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. Short summaries and videos of all winners will be made available, along with a full recording of the event.
