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Guru Nanak Global Awards 2026

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Celebrating the Next Generation of Leaders, Innovators, Creators, and Changemakers

The Guru Nanak Global Awards is a prestigious initiative dedicated to identifying, recognizing, and celebrating outstanding Punjabi youth who are making a meaningful impact in their communities, professions, and industries. Inspired by the universal teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the awards seek to honor young individuals who embody leadership, innovation, compassion, excellence, and service to humanity.

The program aims to create a global platform that showcases the achievements of Punjabi youth from Punjab, across India, and around the world, while inspiring future generations to pursue purposeful and impactful lives.

Theme 2026

“Recognizing Today’s Youth, Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders”

The Guru Nanak Global Awards will identify emerging leaders under the age of 40 who are creating positive change through innovation, entrepreneurship, arts, science, education, social impact, and community service.

SDG-Aligned Youth Excellence Categories

The awards are structured to directly reflect the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that every recognition is tied to measurable global impact and responsible leadership.

1. SDG 1: No Poverty Award

Honoring youth leaders creating economic upliftment through livelihood programs, social enterprises, skill development, and poverty alleviation initiatives.

2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger Award

Recognizing innovators in food security, sustainable agriculture, nutrition access, and community feeding programs.

3. SDG 3: Good Health & Well-being Award

For changemakers improving healthcare access, mental wellness, Ayurveda integration, public health innovation, and preventive care systems.

4. SDG 4: Quality Education Award

Celebrating educators, edtech innovators, and youth leaders transforming learning systems and improving education access and quality.

5. SDG 5: Gender Equality Award

Recognizing leaders advancing women empowerment, gender equity, safety, leadership inclusion, and equal opportunity.

6. SDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation Award

For innovators in water purification, rural sanitation, water conservation, and sustainable water management solutions.

7. SDG 7: Affordable & Clean Energy Award

Honoring youth working in renewable energy, clean technologies, energy access, and climate-friendly innovations.

8. SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth Award

Recognizing entrepreneurs, startups, and job creators building ethical, inclusive, and sustainable economic opportunities.

9. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure Award

For innovators in engineering, technology, AI, semiconductors, infrastructure development, and industrial transformation.

10. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities Award

Recognizing leaders working to reduce social, economic, and regional inequalities through inclusive development initiatives.

11. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities Award

For urban planners, smart city innovators, and community leaders building sustainable, livable, and resilient communities.

12. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production Award

Honoring youth driving circular economy models, waste reduction, sustainable manufacturing, and eco-friendly consumption systems.

13. SDG 13: Climate Action Award

Recognizing climate warriors working in environmental protection, carbon reduction, afforestation, and climate resilience.

14. SDG 14: Life Below Water Award

For innovators protecting aquatic ecosystems, marine life conservation, and sustainable water ecosystem restoration.

15. SDG 15: Life on Land Award

Recognizing leaders in biodiversity conservation, forest protection, wildlife preservation, and ecological restoration.

16. SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions Award

Honoring youth promoting peacebuilding, justice reform, transparency, ethical leadership, and community harmony.

17. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals Award

Recognizing individuals and organizations building global collaborations between governments, universities, NGOs, and industry.

Special Global Honors

1. Guru Nanak Global Youth Icon Award

Highest recognition for a youth leader whose work impacts multiple SDGs and demonstrates global leadership.

2. Chardi Kala Impact Award

For resilience-driven leadership combining innovation, service, and transformation under challenging conditions.

3. Future Punjab SDG Champion Award

Recognizing young leaders whose work directly contributes to Punjab’s sustainable and inclusive future.

Eligibility

  • Global Youth Awards
  • Typically under 40 years of age.
  • Demonstrated achievements in their respective field.
  • Measurable impact on society, industry, community, or the environment.
  • Commitment to ethical leadership and positive social change.

Selection Process

Phase 1: Open Nominations

Nominations accepted from:

  • Universities and Colleges
  • Industry Associations
  • Community Organizations
  • Professional Bodies
  • Government Institutions
  • Public Nominations
  • Self-Nominations

Phase 2: Screening & Evaluation

Applications reviewed by an independent jury of industry leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and community representatives.

Phase 3: Finalist Selection

Shortlisted candidates participate in interviews and impact assessments.

Phase 4: Awards Ceremony

Winners recognized at the annual Guru Nanak Global Awards Gala, attended by leaders from education, business, government, arts, and civil society.

Why Participate?

  • Global Recognition
  • Leadership Visibility
  • Networking Opportunities
  • Mentorship Access
  • Collaboration Opportunities
  • Media Exposure
  • Platform to Inspire Future Generations

Call for Nominations

The Guru Nanak Global Foundation invites universities, colleges, organizations, community leaders, and members of the public to nominate deserving Punjabi youth who are making a difference.

Together, let us celebrate the innovators, entrepreneurs, artists, scientists, educators, athletes, and changemakers who represent the future of Punjab and the spirit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Nominations Now Soon

Contact:
Baljit Singh
Chairman & Chancellor
Guru Nanak Global Foundation
Email: bsingh@gndgu.com

“Recognizing Excellence. Inspiring Leadership. Building the Global Future.”