Indigenous Climate Leaders Honoured at Global 2025 Equator Prize Ceremony

Recognizing local innovations that protect ecosystems, enhance food and water security, and prepare communities for escalating climate risks.

The 2025 Equator Prize Award Ceremony will honour 10 remarkable Indigenous and local community initiatives that are redefining nature-based solutions across the globe. These awardees demonstrate that the most transformative climate action is already underway in forests, coastlines, mountains, and rural landscapes—led by the people who depend on these ecosystems and protect them every day.

This year’s winners will each receive US$15,000–$25,000, recognising their achievements in restoring degraded lands, safeguarding biodiversity, advancing climate mitigation, and strengthening climate-resilient economies. The recipients represent innovative projects from Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Papua New Guinea, Peru, and Tanzania, showcasing a truly global movement rooted in cultural knowledge and community leadership.

A Global Recognition of Local Leadership

UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, Marcos Neto, emphasized the importance of community-driven action, stating:

“Protecting our planet isn’t just about addressing climate change—it’s about preserving biodiversity and safeguarding our environment for future generations. These communities are not just responding to the climate crisis; they are redefining what local leadership looks like for lasting climate action, guided by deep cultural knowledge, and it only flourishes when local communities are supported as equal partners.”

The 2025 ceremony, held under the theme “Nature for Climate Action”, will spotlight achievements in three critical areas:

1. Nature for Climate Mitigation

Honouring communities restoring forests, peatlands, mangroves, and grasslands that absorb carbon and slow global warming.

2. Nature for a Just Transition

Celebrating inclusive development models that create green jobs, empower women and youth, and strengthen Indigenous rights.

3. Nature for Climate Adaptation and Resilience

Recognizing local innovations that protect ecosystems, enhance food and water security, and prepare communities for escalating climate risks.

Each winning initiative will share insights on how Indigenous knowledge and community governance are driving ecosystem restoration, sustainable livelihoods, and climate resilience worldwide.

Distinguished Speakers and Cultural Voices

The ceremony will feature an inspiring lineup of climate advocates, youth leaders, Indigenous activists, and community innovators:

• Anushka Sen – Renowned Indian actress, singer, influencer, and youth advocate.

• Helena Gualinga – Prominent Kichwa-Sarayaku environmental and human-rights activist from the Ecuadorian Amazon.

• Vanda Witoto – Influential Indigenous leader from Brazil’s Witoto people, known for her work in political advocacy and cultural rights.

• Maggie Bukowa – Zambian social entrepreneur and climate finance pioneer, CEO of CredorSave Loans, and Equator Prize 2024 winner, serving as Master of Ceremonies.

Representatives from all 10 winning initiatives will also share their experiences, highlighting the shared global vision of climate-resilient futures rooted in Indigenous stewardship.

Event Details & How to Join

• Date: 11 December 2025

• Time: 9:00 AM EST

• Livestream, agenda, and full speaker lineup: https://www.equatorinitiative.org/equator-prize-2025-award-ceremony/

• Online registration: Sign up to receive reminders and updates

• Broadcast: The ceremony will also stream on UNDP’s YouTube channel

The Equator Prize continues to elevate voices at the heart of climate action—those who protect nature not just as a resource, but as heritage, identity, and life itself.