Call for Nominations: UNECE PPP and Infrastructure Award

Deadline: 15-Nov-2026

The UNECE PPP and Infrastructure Award invites public-private partnership (PPP) and infrastructure projects from around the world for recognition at the 11th UNECE International PPP Forum in May 2027. The award highlights projects that demonstrate resilience, strengthen essential infrastructure and public services, and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Projects at different stages of development, including design, construction, and operation, can be submitted. The award recognises innovative and adaptive approaches that help communities and institutions prepare for, withstand, respond to, and recover from shocks and stresses.

About the UNECE PPP and Infrastructure Award

The award is organised as part of the 11th UNECE International PPP Forum. Its purpose is to showcase exemplary PPP and infrastructure projects that demonstrate how infrastructure development can contribute to resilience and sustainable development. The competition places particular emphasis on projects that address different types of risks while maintaining essential infrastructure and public services. Projects can demonstrate resilience in relation to: - Climate-related risks. - Environmental risks. - Economic risks. - Social risks. - Technological risks. - Other shocks and stresses that may affect communities and infrastructure. What Is Resilience in the Award Context? The award focuses on projects that demonstrate the ability to prepare for, withstand, respond to, and recover from shocks and stresses. A resilient infrastructure project should therefore go beyond simply constructing or operating infrastructure. It should demonstrate how its approach helps reduce vulnerabilities and maintain essential services when disruptions occur. Projects may also demonstrate resilience by strengthening the capacity of institutions and communities to manage future risks. How Projects Can Support the Sustainable Development Goals Submitted projects are expected to contribute to sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. Projects should demonstrate how infrastructure and PPP approaches can support long-term development while addressing social, environmental, economic, technological, or climate-related challenges. The relationship between the project and the SDGs should be clear and supported by the project’s design, implementation, or outcomes. Key Features of Strong Projects The award highlights projects that incorporate innovative, flexible, and adaptive solutions throughout their life cycle.

Important characteristics include:

- Innovative infrastructure or PPP solutions. - Flexible approaches that can respond to changing conditions. - Adaptive project design and implementation. - Risk preparedness and management. - Protection of vulnerable people and communities. - Continuity of essential infrastructure and public services. - Stronger institutional capacity. - Stronger community capacity. - Sustainable development. - Inclusive development. - Contribution to the SDGs. Applicants should demonstrate how these characteristics are incorporated into the project rather than simply describing resilience as a general objective. Innovative, Flexible and Adaptive Solutions Projects are expected to apply innovative, flexible, and adaptive solutions throughout their life cycle. This means resilience can be demonstrated at different stages, from project design through construction and into operation. Applicants should highlight approaches that allow infrastructure or services to respond effectively to changing risks, circumstances, or community needs. Protecting Vulnerable People and Communities Another important aspect of the award is the protection of vulnerable people and communities. Projects should demonstrate how infrastructure and public services can remain accessible, reliable, and responsive during periods of disruption or stress. Applicants should explain how the project addresses vulnerability and contributes to more inclusive and equitable development. Strengthening Institutional and Community Capacity Resilient infrastructure also depends on the ability of institutions and communities to respond to challenges. The award therefore recognises projects that enhance: - Institutional capacity. - Community capacity. - Preparedness. - Ability to respond to shocks. - Ability to recover from disruptions. - Long-term resilience. Projects that combine physical infrastructure improvements with stronger institutional or community systems can demonstrate a broader approach to resilience. Continuity of Essential Infrastructure and Public Services Projects should consider how essential infrastructure and public services can continue functioning during shocks and stresses. This can include demonstrating approaches that improve preparedness, reduce disruption, support rapid response, or enable recovery. The continuity of essential services is an important component of the award’s resilience focus. Who Can Apply? The award is open internationally to a broad range of organisations and stakeholders involved in PPP and infrastructure development.

Eligible applicants include:

- PPP units. - Government agencies. - Private sector entities. - Lenders. - Non-governmental organisations. - Academic institutions. - International organisations. The worldwide eligibility means that projects from different countries and institutional settings can be considered for recognition. What Types of Projects Are Eligible? The competition accepts PPP and infrastructure projects at different stages of development.

Eligible stages include:

- Design. - Construction. - Operation. Projects do not therefore need to have reached full operation to be submitted. Applicants should clearly explain the project’s current stage and demonstrate how resilience and sustainable development principles have been incorporated into th