The SEAMEO-Japan Education for Sustainable Development Award invites public and private schools across Southeast Asia to showcase initiatives that enhance community resilience through local wisdom in disaster risk reduction. The first prize includes US$1,000 and a study tour to Japan for selected students and teachers. Second and third prizes are US$600 and US$400, respectively. Eligible schools include kindergartens, elementary, secondary, and vocational institutions. The submission deadline is 15 August 2025. Details here
awards/prizes
Posterheroes — International Contest about Social and Environmental Issues
Submissions are open for the Posterheroes contest that calls for posters about social and environmental issues. Posterheroes invites students, professional designers, and everyone who is into graphic design to create a poster. Participants can win a cash prize of up to US$2,500. The submission deadline is 22 August 2025. Link to the contest
SustainE — Young Researchers Award
The SustainE Young Researchers Award aims to recognize and reward outstanding research in sustainability by young scholars. The award includes a $1000 prize for the best paper. Eligibility extends to researchers under 40 years with original, unpublished papers on sustainability issues (including environment and energy). The application deadline is 25 August 2025. SustainE Young Researchers Award
Iran Ministry of Science and Technology — 39th Khwarizmi International Award
The Khwarizmi International Award recognizes outstanding scientific achievements made by researchers, inventors, and innovators from all over the world. The disciplinary fields include Agriculture, Natural Resources, Animal Sciences & Veterinary Medicine, Biotechnology, Green Technologies, among others. The deadline for submission is 01 October 2025. Learn about the award
German Federal Ministry of Education and Research — Digital Green Talents Award
The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) recognizes young researchers worldwide working at the intersection of digitalization and sustainability. Awardees receive a fully funded three-month research stay in Germany in 2026, participate in a one-week SpringSchool, and join a global alumni network. Eligible applicants are Master’s students in their final year or current PhD candidates (or recent graduates within three months), under 30 years old, with strong academic records. Past winners include many in renewable energy, water management, and environmental engineering. The deadline is 06 June 2025. Green Talents
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — Global AgriInno Challenge 2025
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) seeks youth-led innovations and solutions in response to the challenges associated with distribution and sales of agri-food products. Selected teams of two to five young innovators will be invited to further develop and pitch their digital development solutions. Winning teams will receive seed funding of US$30 thousand to develop their ideas. The agri-innovation challenge is open to all youth (below 35 years old) with digital innovations or ideas for the agri-food sector. The deadline to submit an application form is 07 June 2025. Visit the Global AgriInno Challenge
Forbes — Sustainability Leaders
Nominations are open for Forbes’ Sustainability Leaders list. Forbes seeks leaders spanning all industries and disciplines in recognition that a diverse climate movement is critical. Forbes Sustainability Leaders will serve as a directory of those driving the innovative and scalable solutions the world needs. The list is open to visionary startup founders mobilizing and scaling technological advancements, C-Suite executives taking risks and accelerating current gold-standard climate policy, scientists, policymakers, social advocates, investors, storytellers, and artists. The deadline to submit all nominations for the list is 13 June 2025. Forbes Sustainability Leaders
Allianz Global Investors — Illustration Competition
The “Art on Climate” International Illustration Competition invites illustrators to create artworks that address the theme of climate change. The goal is to provide a platform for the exchange of ideas and solutions to tackle climate change. Prizes range from €2,000 to €150. Any person aged 18 or above is eligible to participate. The artwork has to be registered and uploaded by 31 July 2025. International Illustration Competition
Women of the Future Awards — Nominations Southeast Asia
The Women of the Future Awards Southeast Asia showcases regional emerging leaders to encourage, motivate, and provide role models for future female Asian leaders. The Awards are open to women aged 35 or under. Candidates must be citizens or permanent residents of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, or Myanmar. All shortlisted candidates will be invited to join our Women of the Future global community and receive a complimentary place to attend the 2025 WOF Awards in Southeast Asia. Nominations will close on 08 September 2025. Details
World Photography Organization — Sony World Photography Awards
The Sony World Photography Awards, one of the world’s leading photography competitions, recognizes the best single images from across 10 diverse categories, including ‘Landscape’ and ‘Natural World & Wildlife’. The overall winner in the Open Competition will receive US$5 thousand plus photography equipment. The closing date for entries is 06 January 2026. Know more