Climate Change Mitigation and Biodiversity Conservation
Women-led or women-proposed solutions contributing to climate change mitigation and/or the conservation or restoration of biodiversity, natural ecosystems and natural resources.
WOMEN IN CLIMATE AWARDS
COP17 Special Edition
Women Leading at the Climate-Biodiversity Nexus
Recognizing, encouraging and increasing the visibility of women’s leadership and contributions to actions and solutions in climate change and biodiversity conservation.
COP17 Special Edition
About the Awards
The Awards organized in Armenia in 2022 and 2024 established a platform and culture for recognizing women’s contributions, showcasing successful solutions and encouraging women’s leadership. Each edition received approximately 100–150 applications and nominations from different sectors and communities across Armenia.
The COP17 Special Edition builds on this experience in the context of the interconnection between climate change and biodiversity. COP17 will take place in Yerevan from 19 to 30 October 2026.
A key principle of the Special Edition is moving “from recognition to advancing solutions”. Winners will have opportunities within COP17 to present their experience, solutions and potential for scaling.
2022 • 2024previous editions
100–150applications and nominations per edition
7 + 1seven main categories and one special recognition
COP17Armenian solutions for national and international audiences
7 + 1
Award Categories
Seven main thematic directions adapted to the COP17 Special Edition, together with one honorary special recognition.
Climate Change Adaptation and Ecosystem Resilience
Women-led solutions strengthening the resilience of people, communities, the economy and/or ecosystems to climate risks. Nature-based and ecosystem-based approaches are particularly encouraged.
Community Action and Policy
Women-led community initiatives, participatory processes, governance approaches or policy solutions addressing climate and/or biodiversity challenges.
Communication on Climate and Biodiversity Challenges and Solutions
Work by journalists, communication professionals, content creators and other practitioners that raises public awareness and promotes engagement.
Climate and Biodiversity Education for All
Educational programmes, methodologies and initiatives that build knowledge and capacities on climate, nature and biodiversity and encourage practical action.
Climate and Environmental Finance and Innovation Solutions
Financial, technological, entrepreneurial, digital or other innovative solutions contributing to climate action and/or biodiversity conservation.
Youth in Climate and Environmental Action
Initiatives led by young women and girls contributing to climate action, nature and biodiversity conservation, environmental education or innovative solutions.
Special Recognition: Male Ally for Women’s Climate and Biodiversity Leadership
An honorary recognition may be granted to a man demonstrating sustained and meaningful support for women’s participation, leadership and professional advancement in climate, biodiversity and environmental action. Self-nominations are not accepted, and the recognition does not include the cash award provided to winners of the seven main categories.
Applications
Who Can Apply
Applications are accepted through self-nomination or nomination by another organization or institution.
- Women working or carrying out activities in different sectors may self-nominate.
- The candidate must have a clear and demonstrable role in developing, implementing, leading or advancing the submitted solution.
- Candidates may be nominated by government institutions, local self-government bodies, NGOs, international organizations, scientific and educational institutions, private companies, professional associations and other organizations or institutions.
- An organization may nominate more than one candidate or solution. A single solution may be submitted in a maximum of two categories where it meets both sets of criteria.
- Self-nominated candidates are required to submit at least one letter of recommendation.
- Eligible solutions include those implemented or ongoing during the last five years and already demonstrating results that can be presented and assessed.
For the Special Recognition, a male candidate may be nominated by women, organizations, institutions or professional peers. Self-nomination is not permitted.
Nominate a Candidate →2026
Key Dates
Applications are open from 8 September through 30 September 2026.
8 September 2026
Applications open
15 September 2026 • 15:00
Online information and Q&A sessionYerevan time (UTC+4)Join Zoom Session ↗
22 September 2026 • 15:00
Online information and Q&A sessionYerevan time (UTC+4)Join Zoom Session ↗
30 September 2026
Application deadline
23 October 2026
Planned Awards Ceremony in the COP17 Green ZoneYerevan
27 October 2026
Planned thematic panel discussion with award winners
Zoom • Q&A
Online Information Sessions
Two online information and Q&A sessions will be held during the application period to provide guidance on the award categories, eligibility and participation requirements, evaluation criteria, and completion of the application form.
Online information and Q&A session
Yerevan time (UTC+4)
Join Zoom Session ↗Online information and Q&A session
Yerevan time (UTC+4)
Join Zoom Session ↗COP17 Special Edition
From Recognition to Advancing Solutions
Each winner in the seven main award categories will receive an award of AMD 300,000, inclusive of applicable taxes. The award is intended to support the further development, visibility, replication or scaling of the winning solution. Winners will also have opportunities within COP17 to present their experience, solutions and potential for scaling.
Each main-category winnerAMD 300,000inclusive of applicable taxes
Recognizing and encouraging leadership helps build a more resilient and healthy future.
Jury
The Evaluation Jury will be published in this section. Applications will be assessed using common criteria and a scoring system designed to ensure relevant professional expertise and independent evaluation.
Nominees
Information on nominees and selected solutions will be published at the relevant stage of the competition.
Winners
Winners in the seven main categories and, where applicable, the Special Recognition recipient will be published after the evaluation process is finalized.
COP17 Special Edition
Partners
Join the initiative and help advance women’s leadership and practical climate and biodiversity solutions.
Become a Partner →Lead Partner
Partner
Supporting Partners
Women • Climate • Biodiversity • Solutions