Submit your digital innovations for people, planet, prosperity and peace
By ITU News
Rapid global digital transformation entails both risks and opportunities. Even amid concerns about the latest artificial intelligence (AI) platforms, advanced data and digital technologies are widely recognized as a viable way to put sustainable development back on track.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is looking for digital projects, applications, policies, and ideas that could become game-changers in the pursuit of a brighter future.
ITU’s new SDG Digital GameChangers Award will honour individuals and organizations utilizing digital technologies towards rescuing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – the 17 “Global Goals” set out by the United Nations to address the world’s most urgent environmental and socio-economic challenges.
Awards are to be given in five categories:
- People – Empowering lives and communities
- Planet – Innovation for our climate and environment
- Prosperity – Promoting economic growth
- Peace – Building peaceful and inclusive societies
- Special category: Pioneers – Unlocking ideas from youth (ages 18-29)
The award ceremony forms an integral part of SDG Digital Day in New York on 17 September.
The day – organized by ITU with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and partners from the UN System and beyond – calls for digital solutions ahead of the SDG Summit, marking the midpoint in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Boston Consulting Group is closely involved in preparations as the Knowledge Partner for SDG Digital Day.
Midway to 2030
Countries around the world adopted the SDGs unanimously in 2015 as part of a worldwide call for action to end poverty and protect the planet. UN agencies – noting the urgency of the climate crisis and inter-relatedness of all development goals – see the end of the present decade as a pressing deadline for humanity.
Today, with just seven years to go, the world has made little progress. Only 12 per cent of specific SDG targets currently remain on track.
The COVID-19 pandemic proved a major setback, worsening global inequalities, while inflation, conflicts, high indebtedness among vulnerable nations and other factors have also combined to put sustainable development at risk.
Recognition for digital solutions
Digital technologies, applied in innovative ways, promise the chance to rescue the 2030 Agenda and build a better future for everyone.
The SDG Digital GameChangers Award will celebrate outstanding digital initiatives that are making a real difference on SDG targets and priorities.
The award competition is open to all organizations or individuals from government, the private sector, academia, civil society, the technical community, and other stakeholders, as well as to youth aged 18‑29.
Learn more about the SDG Digital GameChangers Award
Applications are welcome through the online platform until 17 July 2023 at 23:00 (Central European Summer Time).
