Celebrating the Heart of the People for 2030 Strategy: People Awards 2024
The 2024 People Awards ceremony was a meaningful moment to recognise the extraordinary contributions of offices and individuals in advancing the People for 2030 strategy. Held virtually, this year’s event celebrated achievements that exemplify resilience, innovation, and dedication, while highlighting the collective impact of our workforce in shaping a stronger UNDP.
Now in its sixth year, the People for 2030 strategy continues to deliver transformative change across our organisation. It has provided a clear framework to enhance people management and foster a culture of inclusion, agility, and collaboration. This year’s awards reflect the progress made through this strategy, honouring those who have turned its vision into actionable results.
Central to the event were the winners, whose stories showcase the creativity and teamwork that bring the People for 2030 strategy to life. These offices and individuals have set a high standard for excellence, demonstrating how innovative approaches can address challenges and create meaningful change. Let us celebrate their remarkable achievements across five key categories and the honouring recognition of the most active People Champion:
Workforce Resilience and Agility Award:
- Winner: UNDP Gaza demonstrated exceptional resilience by ensuring the safety, well-being, and operational continuity for 130 personnel and dependents amid ongoing conflict. Their innovative solutions, including safe shelters, mental health resources, and flexible scheduling, exemplify steadfast commitment during unprecedented challenges.
Inclusive Talent Development and Equity Award:
- Winner: UNDP Indonesia showcased exceptional leadership in advancing Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI). By enhancing office accessibility, implementing capacity-building initiatives like sign language training and bias awareness sessions, and embedding inclusion in all operations, they set a gold standard for fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace.
- Second Place: UNDP Peru’s GenerAcción and Spaces of Inclusion initiatives fostered co-creation, strengthened gender equity, and promoted disability inclusion, transforming workplace culture and setting a powerful example for inclusivity.
Future Workforce Innovator Award:
- Winner: UNDP Tanzania transformed traditional HR practices into a strategic talent development approach by partnering with nine leading universities, building a dynamic workforce equipped with critical skills, leadership capabilities, and adaptability, setting a benchmark for workforce transformation.
Employee Engagement Excellence Award:
- Winner: UNDP Ecuador connected staff to the inspiring results of their work through innovative initiatives like their annual retreat in the Amazon and well-being activities, achieving the highest Engagement Index in Latin America.
- Second Place: UNDP Turkmenistan fostered a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative culture by breaking down societal and workplace barriers, introducing team-building activities, and championing gender equality, resulting in exceptional staff satisfaction scores.
Well-being and Safety Award:
- Winner: UNDP Syria’s Caregiving and Enabling Services Initiative created a family-friendly and inclusive workplace, providing facilities such as child care rooms, lactation areas, and flexible work arrangements, fostering a supportive environment aligned with the People for 2030 strategy.
- Second Place: UNDP Ghana enhanced staff well-being through eco-friendly social spaces, a modern gym, and accessibility upgrades, prioritizing health, interaction, and productivity, leading to increased delivery rates and strengthened team cohesion.
Most Active People Champion:
- Winner: Ananya Filbert, supported by the People for 2030 Champion Committee from UNDP India in leading transformative efforts in advancing the People for 2030 Strategy within the Country Office. Through a comprehensive, data-driven survey, they developed an intersectional strategy addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering open dialogue and driving cultural change.
These achievements reflect the diverse and dynamic efforts propelling the People for 2030 strategy forward. Each accolade is a reminder of the profound impact that dedicated individuals and teams have on our collective mission.
As we reflect on these accomplishments, we acknowledge the challenges that remain. The People for 2030 strategy is a bold and ambitious vision, requiring continuous dedication and adaptation. It is humbling to see how far we have come and motivating to consider what lies ahead.
This year’s ceremony not only celebrated achievements, but also reinforced our shared responsibility to strive for an organisation that is inclusive, innovative, and resilient. As we look toward 2025 and beyond, let us carry forward the lessons, inspiration, and energy from this year’s awards. Together, we will continue to empower our people, enabling UNDP to lead with purpose and deliver transformative results for those we serve.
David Bearfield
Director Office of Human Resources
