awards

Leading in an Age of Resistance: Moving Forward in a World Moving Backwards

In a world shaped by geopolitical upheaval, economic volatility, democratic backsliding, and a worsening climate crisis, leadership rooted in courage is essential.

As The SustainabilityX® Magazine marks its 10-year anniversary IN 2026, we are proud to announce the call for nominations for the 5th Annual Global 50 Women In Sustainability Awards™ 2026 — honouring extraordinary women who are leading forward at a time when progress itself is under resistance.

10-Year Anniversary Edition | 5th Annual Awards

In 2026, The SustainabilityX® Magazine celebrates 10 years of advancing women’s leadership in sustainability worldwide.

To mark this milestone, the 5th Annual Global 50 Women In Sustainability Awards™ will unfold as a year-round, rolling recognition program, honouring extraordinary women whose leadership is shaping sustainable, just, and inclusive futures — even as the world pushes back.

Rooted in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), the Awards, as always, recognize leadership themed across four pillars:

Environmental Stewardship
Economic Prosperity
Social Inclusion
Just Governance

This anniversary edition celebrates women who lead not in comfort, but in complexity — with courage, conviction, and impact.

Pillar Distinctions: Recognizing Areas of Impact

All honourees selected as part of the Global 50 Women In Sustainability Awards™ 2026 are recognized equally.

In alignment with SustainabilityX®’s mission and four-pillar framework, nominees may also be considered for one or more Pillar Distinctions. These distinctions highlight the primary area(s) where a leader’s work has driven meaningful, measurable impact:

Nature & Climate Leadership
Sustainable Economic Leadership
Equity, Inclusion & Human Impact
Ethical Governance & Systems Change

Pillar Distinctions do not create additional award tiers, nor do they increase the total number of honourees. They serve as an additional lens of recognition, reflecting the diverse pathways through which women are advancing sustainability in a world facing growing resistance and regression.

Some honourees may be recognized across multiple pillars, reflecting the interconnected nature of sustainability leadership.

This Year’s Theme

“Leading in an Age of Resistance: Moving Forward in a World Moving Backwards” recognizes women who continue to advance sustainability, equity, and justice even as climate action, ESG, DEI, and human rights face growing backlash.

These leaders are not simply responding to crisis — they are reshaping systems, redefining leadership, and refusing to allow regression to determine our collective future. From environmental stewardship to social inclusion and just governance, they demonstrate that courageous leadership is the foundation of a truly sustainable world.

Why This Theme Matters Now

In 2026, the stakes for sustainability have never been higher.

Around the world, hard-won progress is being challenged by political polarization, economic uncertainty, climate denial, and renewed resistance to equity-driven leadership. Yet in the face of these forces, women continue to step forward — crafting bold policies, building resilient economies, innovating in business, and protecting frontline communities.

Women bring collaborative, systems-based, and future-oriented leadership at precisely the moment the world needs it most. Their influence extends beyond boardrooms and government offices into grassroots movements, academic institutions, cultural spaces, and global policymaking.

This year, we celebrate women who are not merely weathering the storm — but moving forward while the world attempts to move backwards.

A Force for Transformation

In an era where misogynistic power structures, political regression, and social backlash threaten sustainability progress, women’s leadership remains a powerful force of resilience, ingenuity, and transformation.

From climate justice advocacy to sustainable business innovation, from policy reform to community-led solutions, these women are pioneering pathways toward a just, inclusive, and regenerative future.

Founder’s Reflection

Reflecting on this moment, Supriya Verma, Founder of The SustainabilityX® Magazine and the Global 50 Women In Sustainability Awards™, and author of the book "Bold Women, Sustainable Futures: Leadership Lessons in an Age of Resistance" shares: “Courage is not just about standing firm — it’s about standing forward. Women in sustainability today are not merely holding the line; they are pushing it ahead, reshaping industries, economies, and societies. In an age of resistance, leadership belongs to those who move forward anyway — with conviction, creativity, and purpose.”

Our Mission

At The SustainabilityX® Magazine, our mission is to spotlight women whose leadership is transforming sustainability at the intersection of environment, economy, society, and governance.

This year’s theme calls us to honour women who are not only navigating complexity, but actively building what comes next — even when the systems around them resist change.

As Verma notes: “Sustainability is not just about preserving what exists — it is about creating what is possible. The women we honour this year are doing exactly that, even in the face of resistance.”

Who Are We Looking For?

We seek women leaders in sustainability who:

Advance sustainability despite political, economic, or cultural resistance
Develop solutions that strengthen environmental resilience and social justice
Lead with vision, courage, and systems thinking
Champion equity, inclusion, and long-term impact
Are shaping the next decade of sustainable leadership

If you know a woman leading forward in a world pushing back — or if you see yourself reflected here — we invite you to submit a nomination.

Nomination Details (2026)

Launch: Rolling nominations open (US$249 per nomination)
Pillar Distinction Category Add-Ons (4): Nature & Climate Leadership | Sustainable Economic Leadership | Equity, Inclusion & Human Impact | Ethical Governance & Systems Change (US$99 per distinction)
Early Bird (10-Year Anniversary): Special pricing (15% off) through May 31, 2025 (Anniversary Month) - CODE: SUSTX15
Deadline for 2026 Consideration: August 31, 2026
Digital Awards Release: Fall 2026

Nominations received after August 31, 2026 will be considered for the 2027 Awards.

Why Nominate?

By nominating a woman leader, you:

Amplify courageous leadership in an age of resistance
Contribute to a global archive of women shaping sustainability
Support a movement that elevates women’s voices where they are most needed
Inspire future leaders to step forward — even when it’s hard
Nomination now: NOMINATION FORM

Join the Movement

It is time to honour the women who refuse to retreat — and who continue to move sustainability forward when the world pushes back.

👉 Submit your nomination below and be part of our 10-year legacy.

For inquiries: info@sustainabilityx.co

Learn more about 2025's awardees here. View 2025's official press release here.
Learn more about 2024's awardees here. View 2024's official press release here.
Learn more about 2023's awardees here. View 2023's official press release here.
Learn more about 2022's awardees here. View 2022's official press release here.

For information regarding award programs:

info@sustainabilityx.co