BRICS+ Award for the Best Municipal Development Programs and Social Initiatives
SUSTAINABILITY LEADERS AWARD

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED

Thank you to everyone who submitted their projects and best practices for the BRICS+ Sustainability Leaders Award 2026.
The submitted applications are now under review by the Jury.

The results will be announced by November 1, 2026.
About The Award
Objective of the Award is to identify and recognize the most effective municipal programs in the areas of socio-economic territorial development, environmental protection, tourism and hospitality, creative and cultural industries, social entrepreneurship, and the development of civil society.

The Award was established on the initiative of the State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom, with the support of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation and the Government of Moscow.
Who can participate?
City Administrations
  • Cities with a population of up to 100,000 people
  • Cities with a population of up to 250,000 people
  • Cities with a population of up to 1 million people
  • Cities with a population of over 1 million people
Municipal Budgetary Institutions in the fields of education, culture, and healthcare
Public and Non-Profit Organizations implementing projects at the regional and municipal levels
Research and Scientific Organizations engaged in the relevant thematic areas
Development Institutes
Commercial Organizations implementing projects aimed at territorial development and improving the quality of life of citizens
Nominations
01
Environmental Solutions for Cities
  • Best programs implementing innovative circular economy and environmental technologies, including solutions in housing and utilities (public services)
  • Best programs for waste management, restoration, and rehabilitation of natural sites
  • Best practices in sustainable urban planning and development
  • Best municipal practices in urban improvement and the development of blue-green infrastructure
  • Best programs in environmental education and ecological culture (including animal welfare initiatives)
  • Best programs for biodiversity conservation and management of specially protected natural areas
02
Tourism, Creative and Cultural Industries
  • Best programs aimed at enhancing the tourist attractiveness of cities
  • Best programs for the development of creative and cultural industries (including design, media, art, theatre, cinema, music, fashion, and creative startups)
  • Best practices in organizing and conducting major events in the fields of sports, culture, and the arts
03
Digital Solutions for Urban Development
  • Digital solutions for processing and analyzing big data (Big Data) to manage urban processes and advance the concept of "smart cities"
  • Digital solutions in the field of housing and public utilities
  • Digital technologies and services for transport infrastructure
  • Solutions aimed at improving the safety of the urban environment
  • Best digital solutions contributing to the sustainable development of cities and improving citizens' quality of life
04
Social Development and Citizen Support
  • Best practices in the development of the non-profit sector and support for social entrepreneurship
  • Best programs for youth engagement and development
  • Best programs supporting people in difficult life situations, large families, the elderly, orphans, and homeless animals
  • Best programs promoting inclusion and equal opportunities
05
Healthcare
  • Best programs for the development of healthcare systems
  • Innovative technologies in medicine
06
International Cooperation of Municipalities
  • Programs of cultural exchange and development of intercultural dialogue
  • International volunteer programs and civic engagement projects
  • Organization and hosting of major international business, sports, and cultural events
  • Implementation of investment projects contributing to the socio-economic development of territories
  • Educational and awareness-raising projects of international significance
  • Joint technological and innovation initiatives
  • Development of cooperation between non-profit organizations of different countries
  • Business missions and events aimed at expanding international municipal partnerships
07
Integrated Solutions for Cities
  • Comprehensive urban programs combining various areas of development (digitalization, ecology, social infrastructure, transport, education, etc.)
  • Interdepartmental initiatives jointly implemented by government bodies, businesses, scientific and public organizations
  • Pilot projects introducing integrated approaches to urban environment management
  • Programs aimed at enhancing cities' resilience and competitiveness
  • Solutions targeting multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) simultaneously
Countries
The Award is open to participants registered in the following countries:
Attention!
Applications from other countries may also be considered if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Evaluation Criteria
  • Relevance and Social Significance of the Project
    Evidence of sustainable improvements in the living conditions of the target audience in the socio-economic and environmental spheres, as well as the resolution of current issues within the relevant nomination category
  • Actual Implementation Results
    Achievement of high efficiency indicators, fulfillment of stated objectives, and the presence of quantitative and qualitative results specified in the application, confirmed by documentary and/or visual evidence (reports, publications, photo and video materials, feedback from the target audience, etc.)
  • Innovation and Originality of Approaches
    Application of innovative methods, approaches, or solutions, as well as adaptation of best practices to local conditions
  • Scale and Coverage
    The number of participants and beneficiaries involved, and the geographic scope of implementation (proportionate to the population size and the overall volume of the target group)
  • Partnership and Cross-Sectoral Collaboration
    Existence of sustainable cooperation with government authorities, businesses, and public organizations during the project’s implementation, among others
  • Sustainability of Results
    The presence of prerequisites for the continuation or scaling up of the project after the completion of its main phase
  • Compliance with the Award Theme
    Alignment of the project’s goals, methods, and outcomes with the thematic focus of the Award
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED
The results will be announced by November 1, 2026.
Thank you to everyone who submitted their projects and best practices for the BRICS+ Sustainability Leaders Award 2026.
The submitted applications are now under review by the Jury.
Evaluation Criteria
Nominations
About the Award
Contacts
The Award is organized by the autonomous non-profit organization for the development of volunteering and social initiatives — ANO "Energy for Development"
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social-leaders@yandex.ru