Christianna Paul of Dominica is amongst the 30 outstanding finalists announced ahead of next week’s Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards 2023

Following a rigorous judging process, these finalists were selected from a pool of exceptional candidates from across the Commonwealth by an independent jury. They embody groundbreaking innovation and dedication across five categories that resonate with the pillars of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership.

Building on the momentum of the previous editions held in 2019 and 2021, this year’s ceremony marks a celebratory milestone showcasing the exceptional creativity and impactful contributions of Commonwealth citizens and organisations. Additionally, it holds particular significance as it coincides with the prestigious Kenya Innovation Week, further amplifying the recognition and celebration of innovative excellence within the Commonwealth.

The highly anticipated awards ceremony is set to take place on 27 November 2023 during the opening of

the inaugural Commonwealth Edition of Kenya Innovation Week 2023 and will include senior government officials, development experts, tech visionaries, and forward-thinking individuals from across the Commonwealth.

Speaking about the awards, Commonwealth Secretary-General Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC said:

“A key outcome from the award ceremony will be to translate these forward-looking solutions into replicable initiatives that will serve all the people of the Commonwealth. The Awards will also act as a catalyst for these transformative innovations to attract more support to scale up and achieve greater impact across the Commonwealth whilst helping our member states to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Each of the 30 finalists will receive a certificate of recognition.

The top 15 finalists will be recognised as winners. Three from each of the five categories. Each winner will be honoured with a trophy, a certificate of recognition, and a £3,000 cash prize during the ceremony.

The 30 finalists are:

Protect the PLANET and the natural environment in the Commonwealth

Adejoke Lasisi (Nigeria) – Planet 3R
Naomi Longa (Papua New Guinea) – Sea Women of Melanesia
Christianna Paul (Dominica) – WePlanet Inc.
Mathias Charles Yabe (Ghana) – AkoFresh – Solar Powered Refrigerated Storage
Jovia Kisaakye (Uganda) – Ecobed Biotech Brand
Cynthyche Mahoro (Rwanda) – Reusable diapers

Promote PEACE and justice in the Commonwealth

Ngatia Muhoya (Kenya) – Badilico
Dr. Muhammad Quraish Khan (Pakistan)
Puneet Singh Singhal (India) – Disability Inclusion Advocacy
Carla Ceravolo (Nigeria) – Velma-ARC: Action to Reduce Cyber-crime in Nigeria
Ruth Nawakwi (Zambia) – Youth Movement for Peace in Zambia and Inclusive Education for Sustainable Development IESD
Derrick Mpagi (Uganda) – Twegatte (let’s get together) youth health project

Promote PARTNERSHIPS for development in the Commonwealth

Syed Kashf Ahmed (Pakistan) – MilKar
Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia (Malaysia) – Creative Makerspace and Funding For Social & Grassroots Innovation
Pacific Tourism Organisation (Fiji) – Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework 2030
Rawle Prince (United Kingdom) – The Rail Demand Innovation System (RDIS)
Fatuma Khalif (Kenya) – CA FILMS
Salome Olajide-Buari (Nigeria) – Climate Change Interactive Board for Kids

Improve PROSPERITY in the Commonwealth

Maluyane Titus Abongdoh (Cameroon) – E- Mentor
Kehkashan Basu (Kiribati) – Green Hope Foundation
Danielle Corsagí (Barbados) – Climate-Resilient Infrastructure for SIDS and Climate Vulnerable Regions
Esther Kimani (Kenya) – Farmer Lifeline
Richard Seshie (Ghana) – Cool Lion
Niza Aritha Zulu (Zambia) – The Intelligent Fish Farm, Febi smart systems device