On 1 March 2026, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and ILGA World announced the second edition of the International Pride Awards, a global initiative celebrating leaders, advocates, and allies advancing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ+) individuals worldwide. This year’s recipients will be revealed on 5 August 2026 during the WorldPride human rights conference in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
First established in 2024, the International Pride Awards highlight stories of resilience, solidarity, and progress, showcasing how inclusion is actively being cultivated in communities across the globe. The awards serve to inspire others and create momentum for change, reinforcing that equality is achievable even in challenging environments.
Despite progress, significant challenges remain. In 65 countries, consensual same-sex acts are still criminalized, with seven nations imposing the death penalty and five lacking full legal certainty. Only a limited number of countries provide constitutional protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics, reflecting the ongoing global struggle for LGBTIQ+ rights.
The awards recognize the courage of human rights defenders working at personal risk to empower individuals of all backgrounds to live freely and authentically. Award categories for 2026 include movement building in hostile environments, celebrating diverse lives, emerging leader, lifelong pursuit of equality, and extraordinary ally. Recipients from low- and middle-income countries will also receive US$10,000 grants to support their initiatives.
Nominations for the awards will be open from 17 March to 17 April 2026, and can be submitted through the awards website. An Awards Committee composed of experienced LGBTIQ+ advocates and human rights leaders will select the recipients.
Mandeep Dhaliwal, Director of the HIV and Health Group at UNDP, emphasized that equality is fundamental to sustainable development, noting that exclusion and criminalization of LGBTIQ+ people diminishes society as a whole. Julia Ehrt, Executive Director of ILGA World, highlighted that the awards honor those working daily toward a more equal and inclusive world, even in the face of opposition.
The International Pride Awards provide a platform to recognize and amplify the work of individuals who strengthen movements, promote dignity, and expand opportunities, reinforcing the principle that no one should be left behind.
