The nominations for the 2026 Women’s International Network for Disaster Risk Reduction (WIN DRR) Leadership Awards are now open.
The awards celebrate exceptional women across the Asia-Pacific region who are advancing disaster risk reduction (DRR) and disaster resilience through leadership, innovation and impact.
This year, the nomination criteria have been strengthened to more explicitly align with the Sendai Framework Gender Action Plan (Sendai GAP), which provides a roadmap for advancing gender equality across all aspects of DRR — from data and governance, to investment, preparedness and recovery.
Individuals can nominate themselves or others by 26 July 2026 for the following two categories:
- WIN DRR Rising Star Award (US$ 7,500)Granted to an individual woman emerging in her career or at mid-level within the field of DRR or disaster resilience (typically with two to seven years of experience). The awardee will demonstrate a commitment to building a career in the field and have already made meaningful contributions through their work, research, or engagement in DRR-related initiatives, and strong potential as the next generation of leadership in the field. Nominees should demonstrate a strong trajectory of growth, initiative, and potential to continue advancing DRR in their respective contexts in line with the Sendai Framework and Sendai GAP.
- WIN DRR Excellence Award (US$ 10,000) – proudly sponsored by SM Prime Holdings
Granted to an individual woman who has achieved exceptional professional success in DRR or disaster resilience over a sustained career (typically more than 10 years). Candidates will demonstrate outstanding leadership, significant contributions to the field, and a proven track record of impact at local, national or international level. Nominees should show evidence of influence that has advanced DRR practice, policy, or community resilience in line with the Sendai Framework and Sendai GAP.
About the awards
The WIN DRR Leadership Awards celebrate and recognize women’s achievements in DRR across the Asia-Pacific region. The awards are part of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) flagship women’s leadership initiative, WIN DRR, supported by the Government of Australia.
WIN DRR aims to empower women and strengthen their role in decision-making in DRR by promoting and supporting women’s leadership across the Asia-Pacific region.
The awards support implementation of the Sendai GAP, which calls for the meaningful participation and leadership of women in DRR governance and decision-making.
The 2026 WIN DRR Leadership Awards will be presented in an online ceremony on 13 October 2026 as part of the observance of the International Day for DRR, held this year under the theme “Resilience Starts at Home.” The theme resonates strongly with the awards. Women are often the primary builders of resilience at household and community level, yet they remain underrepresented in formal decision-making structures shaping DRR policy and investment. The WIN DRR Leadership Awards celebrate women who are helping bridge this gap — from resilience that starts at home to leadership that shapes systems.
Eligibility for the awards
Nominations are encouraged from across the WIN DRR network and the broader DRR community.
Individuals may nominate themselves or others by completing the nomination form by 26 July 2026.
Nominees must:
- Identify as women;
- Be citizens or permanent residents of Asia-Pacific countries (see list below); and
- Be working on DRR or disaster resilience across the Asia-Pacific region.
Individuals previously nominated or shortlisted are eligible to reapply. Previous award winners are not eligible.
Current or former staff members of UNDRR or the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) are not eligible for the awards, though they may nominate others. Individuals currently contracted with UNDRR in any capacity (including interns, consultants and UN Volunteers), and individuals working for organizations currently contracted with or receiving grants from UNDRR, are also ineligible.
Eligible countries include: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Japan, Kiribati, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Viet Nam.
Additional links:
- United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
- Submit your nomination
- For questions regarding the awards, please contact: undrr-windrrap@un.org
- More UN Awards