The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge
The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge is the first-of-its-kind global competition for social entrepreneurs who are advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals and inspiring entire communities to act to create the world we want by 2030. The WE Empower Challenge honors innovative women leaders from around the world who are pushing the SDGs forward through sustainable business practices and inspiring others to follow suit. The opportunity recognizes their innovative work and provides Awardees with capacity-building training sessions and opportunities to connect with an unparalleled global network to advance their enterprises. This program elevates and showcases the valuable contribution women entrepreneurs and business leaders can make toward the SDGs and solving the world’s greatest challenges.
In 2022, the WE Empower Challenge Awardees will participate in events surrounding the 77th UN General Assembly as well as will connect with renowned business experts from around the world. Awardees will also participate in a dynamic pitch competition, hosted by fashion designer, activist and Vital Voices Board Member Diane von Furstenberg, to present their business for the opportunity to receive a $20,000 grant.
Watch as five amazing women entrepreneurs pitch their business solutions for changing the world as part of the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge 2021.
Our Objectives
Honor
Honor innovative women entrepreneurs who are supporting and achieving the SDGs through sustainable business practices and inspiration for others to follow suit.
Invest
Invest in the most inspiring and transformational women entrepreneurs – providing access to seed capital, unique trainings, capacity building, a network of their peers, visibility and credibility for their work.
Ignite
Ignite awareness among a global community of stakeholders of the valuable contribution women entrepreneurs can make in contributing to the SDGs and the obstacles they still face.
Our Partners
A special thank you to WE Empower lead partners for generous support of the UN SDG Challenge!
- ASU
- BMO
- GroYourBiz
- Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden
- Mary Kay
- P&G
- Saїd Business School,
University of Oxford
- Salesforce
- UN Foundation
- Vital Voices
- World Bank
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Global Goals Week
Alyse Nelson, President and CEO of Vital Voices Global Partnership, and Amanda Ellis, Executive Director for Hawaii and Asia-Pacific with ASU’s Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation and former UN Ambassador for New Zealand, welcome the 2019 winners of the WE Empower Challenge to New York City for United Nations Global Goals Week.
WE Empower at United Nations Global Goals Week
Highlights from the 2018 launch event with the UN Secretary General, President of the World Bank and High Commission for Human Rights.