UN Global Compact Network Georgia 2024 organized the seventh Corporate Sustainability award competition, “Business for SDGs.”
The nominations were selected according to the “Sustainable Development Goals” adopted by the United Nations in 2015. In 2024, the award received 157 applications during the first phase and 110 applications in the second phase. Applications were reviewed in two categories: large businesses and small to medium-sized enterprises. An independent jury comprised of Georgian and foreign members evaluated the applications.
The winners were announced in the following nominations:
SDG4 – Quality Education
Large Business Category: Bank of Georgia – STEM School
SME Category: Design Institute – Design Foundation 6-month Program
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
Large Business Category: EFES Georgia – Decent Work Environment
SME Category: Transporter – Promotion of Professional Training and Employment
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
Large Business Category: Tegeta Holding – Tegeta X Volvo: energy-efficient complex
SME Category: Polyvim – Motion and Only Motion
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
Large Business Category: Efes Georgia – GO (Guarantee of Origin) Certificate
SME Category: Polyvim – Polyvim’s eco-centric solutions
SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Bakhvi HPP – Ambassadors for the Transparency (#BuildRelationsTogether)
SDG 17 – Partnerships for Sustainable Development (Partnership Projects)
Large Business Category: Element Holding in partnership with Infrastructure Construction Companies Association – Preparation of the construction field for Eurocodes
SME Category: TBC Leasing in partnership with Green for Growth Fund (GGF) – Deep Greening – Scaling Initiative: Promoting solar PV systems in Georgia
SDG 17 – Partnerships for Sustainable Development (Sustainable Finance)
ProCredit Bank Georgia – Facilitating Green Investments
In keeping with tradition, this year, the winners of the “Media for Responsible Business in Georgia” competition were revealed. Journalist Tamar Paatashvili was awarded the accolade for the top television narrative. Likewise, Sopo Goduadze was honored with the award for the most outstanding online article.
The 2024 Local SDG Pioneers were also awarded at the event. In the large business category, the award was presented to the Public Relations and Digital Communications Manager of “Efes Georgia” Ketevan Zhvania, and in the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) and Micro-sized Companies category, to the Chief Commercial Officer of “Polyvim”, Shiva Parizad. Notably, Shiva Parizad was also recognized as a 2024 Global SDG Pioneer.
Representatives of companies participating in the competition, the diplomatic corps, international organizations, and the media attended the ceremony. The Corporate Sustainability Award ceremony was organised by the UN Global Compact Network Georgia, and Sweden provided funding within the project “Leadership for Sustainable Development in Georgia.”
Additional Information:
UN Global Compact is the largest corporate sustainability initiative, and its vision is to create a sustainable and inclusive global economy for people, society and business.
The Global Compact Network Georgia was established in 2016 and its members include companies, business associations, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions. The network aims to support the advancement of the UNGC 10 Principles in Georgia and contribute to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.