New York — The 2025 Equator Prize Award Ceremony will honour 10 outstanding nature-based solutions led by Indigenous Peoples and local communities across the world. The event celebrates the leadership, innovation, and resilience of communities who are protecting ecosystems, advancing climate action, and strengthening sustainable livelihoods.

This year’s winners each receive a prize between US$15,000 and $25,000, recognising their achievements in restoring landscapes, safeguarding biodiversity, and driving inclusive, climate-resilient development. The awardees represent initiatives from Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Papua New Guinea, Peru, and Tanzania - demonstrating that transformative climate solutions are already being shaped by communities on the frontlines.

“Protecting our planet isn’t just about addressing climate change—it’s about preserving biodiversity and safeguarding our environment for future generations. These communities are not just responding to the climate crisis; they are redefining what local leadership looks like for a lasting climate action, guided by deep cultural knowledge, and it only flourishes when local communities are supported as equal partners,” stated Marcos Neto, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support.

Under the theme “Nature for Climate Action,” this year’s ceremony will highlight achievements in:

• Nature for Climate Mitigation
• Nature for a Just Transition
• Nature for Climate Adaptation and Resilience

Each winning initiative will share remarks highlighting the essential role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in restoring ecosystems, strengthening sustainable economies, and building resilience to climate impacts.

The event will feature a distinguished and inspiring lineup of speakers, including Anushka Sen, celebrated Indian actress, pop-culture icon, singer, social media influencer and youth advocate from India; Helena Gualinga, prominent Kichwa-Sarayaku Indigenous environmental and human-rights activist from the Ecuadorian Amazon, advocating globally for climate justice; Vanda Witoto, Indigenous activist and political leader from the Witoto people in the Amazonas, noted for her work in Indigenous rights and culture; and Maggie Bukowa, leading Zambian social entrepreneur and climate-finance pioneer - CEO of CredorSave Loans (a 2024 Equator Prize winner), advancing climate resilience and financial inclusion for rural farmers, who will guide the event as Master of Ceremonies. Indigenous and local community representatives from all 10 winning initiatives will also participate actively in the celebration.

Event Details & How to Join

• The 2025 Equator Prize Award Ceremony will take place on 11 December at 9:00 AM EST.
• Livestream + full agenda + speaker lineup: https://www.equatorinitiative.org/equator-prize-2025-award-ceremony/
• Register here to watch the event online and receive reminders and updates
• The ceremony will also stream on UNDP’s YouTube channel

About the Equator Initiative

The Equator Initiative, a UNDP-led, multi-sectoral partnership that brings together governments, civil society, academia, businesses and grassroots organisations to recognise and advance local, nature-based sustainable development solutions for people, nature, and resilient communities. Its mission is to identify and advance outstanding local efforts to reduce poverty through the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. The Equator Initiative partnership offers a unique platform to celebrate success, inform global policymaking, and support local leadership in advancing innovative projects in sustainable development and climate issues.

About the winners

Short summaries of the 2025 Equator Prize winners are available here. Videos about all winners are available upon request. A full recording of the ceremony, with language versions, will be made available online.

Media inquiries:

Sangita Khadka, Communications Specialist

UNDP Bureau for Policy and Programme Support

Email: sangita.khadka@undp.org