The CAREC Gender and Green Innovation Awards 2025 aims to recognize individuals and organizations making significant contributions to advancing gender equality through green innovation and technology in the context of climate resilience, adaptation, and mitigation within the CAREC region. This year’s awards emphasize the transformative role of green technologies in addressing climate challenges and promoting inclusive development, aligned with the theme of the CAREC Women’s Business Forum 2025: “Together for Green Innovation and Gender Equality.”
The awards aim to inspire outstanding efforts to achieve gender equality and climate resilience, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future for everyone in the CAREC region.
Eligibility
Nominees should be:
- Resident nationals of a CAREC member country (Azerbaijan, People’s Republic of China, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) or organizations operating in at least one of these countries.
- Individuals or organizations with a demonstrated commitment and active role in promoting gender equality and leveraging green technologies to advance climate resilience, adaptation, and mitigation through professional or voluntary work.
- Previous winners of the CAREC Gender Climate Awards are not eligible to apply.
Nominations can be submitted as self-nominations or by a trusted third party. National Focal Points of CAREC member countries are also invited to nominate potential candidates, but the final decision will be made by the jury.
Examples of Eligible Applicants:
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs): NGOs implementing programs that empower women in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, or conservation efforts.
- Social enterprises: Businesses that provide eco-friendly products or services while creating job opportunities for women and promoting female entrepreneurship.
- Community cooperatives: Those supporting women’s participation in green initiatives, such as community gardening projects or waste management programs.
- Government programs: Programs integrating gender-responsive approaches into climate action plans, such as training for women in green technology or climate-smart practices.
- Educational institutions: Institutions conducting studies or projects focusing on the role of women in advancing environmental sustainability, particularly in utilizing green technology.
- Innovative startups: Developing technologies aimed at reducing carbon footprints while ensuring women are involved in leadership and decision-making roles.
- Climate activists: Activists advocating for policies that address both gender inequality and climate challenges, promoting awareness and action in their communities.
- Climate scientists: Scientists conducting research on the impacts of climate change on women and proposing innovative solutions to enhance gender equality in climate action.
- Women farmers and/or agri-processing industry practitioners: Those implementing sustainable agricultural practices that enhance biodiversity and support local ecosystems.
- Artists and creatives: Individuals or organizations using art, literature, or media to raise awareness about gender and climate issues, inspiring community engagement and action.
- Local leaders and influencers: Leaders advocating for the inclusion of women in environmental decision-making and promoting sustainable practices.
- Youth ambassadors: Youth participating in climate action campaigns highlighting the significance of gender equality in promoting climate resilience.
Note: Eligible applicants are not limited to this list.
Selection Criteria
Individual Category
Measurable impact:
- Demonstrated measurable impact on advancing gender equality through the adoption or promotion of green technologies
- Potential for long-term sustainability and scalability beyond the initial community or target group
Inclusive leadership:
- Advocacy and leadership in championing green innovation for gender and climate goals
- Partnerships and collaboration across sectors to implement technological solutions
- Multi-sectoral approaches integrating gender equality with green technology initiatives
- Active participation and benefit of marginalized groups, including women, youth, people with disabilities, and minority communities, in green technology projects
Innovation and technology:
- Novel approaches to addressing gender issues and climate challenges through green technology or sustainable practices
- Application of green technology in areas like renewable energy, waste management, or sustainable agriculture, particularly promoting women in green tech
Alignment with CAREC goals:
- Contributions that align with CAREC’s objectives of fostering regional cooperation, sustainability, and gender equality through innovative technological solutions
Organization Category
Measurable impact on gender equality:
- Promotion of women’s leadership in sectors advancing green innovation and technology
- Capacity-building initiatives enabling women’s active participation in technology-driven climate action
- Integration of gender considerations in green technology policies and practices
Collaboration and partnerships:
- Effective stakeholder engagement, including partnerships fostering the adoption of green technologies
- Successful public-private collaborations advancing gender and technology-driven climate goals
Sustainability and innovation:
- Long-term project sustainability and visionary leadership in green innovation.
- Use of cutting-edge technologies to drive gender-responsive climate action.
Community engagement and empowerment:
- Grassroots involvement in technology projects empowering women and marginalized communities.
- Educational outreach promoting awareness of the intersection of gender, technology, and climate action.
Rewards and Benefits
Awardees will receive:
- Recognition at the award ceremony during the CAREC Women’s Business Forum in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic in October 2025
- Exclusive membership to the CAREC Women’s Empowerment Online Platform (WEOP) for networking and showcasing opportunities
- International, regional, and national media exposure
- Invitation to CAREC high-profile events, regional workshops, and training focused on green innovation and technology
- Opportunities for leadership coaching and mentorship programs
Selection Timeline
How to Apply
- Prepare the nominee’s CV (for individuals) or an organization profile (for organizations). An organization profile should contain the name of the organization and overview or summary of the organization’s history and activities.
- Complete the nomination form in your preferred category (Individual or Organization) and language (English, Chinese, or Russian):
Contact Information: info@carecprogram.org
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