Across the world, courageous individuals are working – often against extraordinary odds – to ensure that everyone can live freely and authentically. Today, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and ILGA World announce the second edition of the International Pride Awards, a global celebration of the leaders, advocates and allies advancing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) people everywhere. This year’s award recipients will be announced on 5 August 2026 at a special event during the WorldPride human rights conference in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.  

First established in 2024, the International Pride Awards shine a spotlight on stories of resilience, solidarity and progress, reminding the global community that inclusion is not only possible—it is actively being cultivated in communities across every region.

Yet significant challenges remain. In 65 countries, governments continue to uphold laws that criminalize consensual same-sex acts between adults in private. Seven of these countries impose the death penalty for such acts, while in five more, there is no full legal certainty. Only 12 countries provide constitutional protection against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, 5 based on gender identity, just 1 on gender expression, and none on the grounds of sex characteristics. (Visit the ILGA World Database for more information.)

Nevertheless, perseverance prevails. Across the world, brave human rights defenders are dedicating their courage and actions to work, often at great personal risk, ensuring that people of all races, genders and backgrounds are empowered to be themselves and thrive.

The International Pride Awards will shine a light on their work and amplify their stories to inspire others and create momentum for the change they want to see in the world. 

The 2026 award categories are: 

• Movement building in the face of hostility; 
• Celebrating diverse lives; 
• Emerging leader; 
• Lifelong pursuit of equality; and 
• Extraordinary ally. 

Award recipients from low- and middle-income countries will also be awarded US$10,000 grants to support their work. 

Nominations for the second edition of the International Pride Awards will be open from 17 March to 17 April 2026 and can be submitted through the awards website. UNDP and ILGA World invite everyone to nominate individuals whose tireless efforts have made a significant impact in advancing equality and inclusion of LGBTIQ+ people, from grassroots initiatives to international advocacy efforts.  

An Awards Committee comprised of seasoned LGBTIQ+ campaigners, advocates and human rights leaders will be selecting the award recipients.

“Equality is fundamental to sustainable development,” said Mandeep Dhaliwal, Director of the HIV and Health Group at UNDP. “When LGBTIQ+ people are excluded, criminalized or left unprotected, societies as a whole are diminished. The International Pride Awards recognize the individuals who are advancing dignity, justice and inclusion – often in challenging environments – and remind us that inclusive governance and equal opportunity are essential to building resilient, prosperous communities for all.”

"We are proud to work with UNDP in honouring the courageous individuals who are paving the way for progress and change for everyone," said Julia Ehrt, Executive Director of ILGA World. "At a time when reactionary powers sow divisions for their own political gains, the International Pride Awards remind us that everyone would be happier in a more equal world. The International Pride Awards honour those who are working every day to get us to this bright, shared, hopeful future.”

The International Pride Awards provide a platform to recognize and uplift those whose leadership strengthens movements, promotes dignity and expands opportunity – reinforcing the fundamental principle that no one should be left behind.

For more information, including how to nominate, please visit the International Pride Awards website: https://internationalprideawards.org.  

Media contacts: 

Daniele Paletta, Communications Manager, ILGA World, media@ilga.org  

Richa Ranjitkar, Communications Specialist, UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub, richa.ranjitkar@undp.org 

ILGA World – the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association – is a worldwide federation of more than 2,000 organizations from over 170 countries and territories campaigning for the human rights of people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics. 

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.