SDG Business Pioneers Award Celebrates Sustainable Business Leaders

Tirana, November 18, 2024 – The SDG Business Pioneers Award Ceremony, recognized Albanian companies driving positive change through their commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. The ceremony highlighted innovative practices and celebrated businesses advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Sixty-seven businesses competed in this year’s awards, divided into five categories based on the number of employees, regardless of industry:

•    Micro Enterprises 25 applicants
•    Small Enterprises 14 applicants
•    Medium Enterprises 11 applicants
•    Large Enterprises 5 applicants
•    International Enterprises 12 applicants

Each category recognized three top awards: ESG & Corporate Social Responsibility, Core Business & Operations, and Overall, Winner. These awards honored businesses demonstrating leadership in sustainability and responsible business, setting standards that inspire others toward a more inclusive and eco-conscious economy.

The event’s trophies, developed by students from the Polytechnic University of Tirana, underlined the shared dedication of Albania’s academic and business communities to sustainable development.

The awards followed a meticulous three-stage evaluation:

Shortlisting – Initial review and eligibility check. External Evaluation – A panel of experts, made up of national and international business experts and development practitioners assessed the shortlisted businesses based on their sustainable impact. Due Diligence – A final risk assessment ensured integrity and compliance.

The UN Resident Coordinator in Albania Fiona McCluney present at the Award Ceremony underlined: “The UN is happy to celebrate companies in Albania that are setting a powerful example by creating quality jobs, reducing their environmental impact, and embedding sustainability into their core business practices. These forward-thinking companies are not only focused on the present—they are actively building a sustainable future for their businesses and the communities they serve”.

The SDG Business Pioneers Award created a space for Albanian businesses to showcase their ESG accomplishments, connect with leaders across sectors, and inspire further advancements in sustainability. The event brought together executives, environmental advocates, and innovators committed to long-term social and environmental progress.

The SDG Business Pioneers Award is a national competition launched by UNDP Albania, inspired by UNDP Bosnia & Herzegovina. The award comes in the context of the “Business Partnerships & Solutions for SDGs" joint UN project. 

Funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) through the UN Albania SDG Acceleration Fund, and implemented by UNDP, FAO, ILO, and UNIDO, the project empowers Albanian businesses to embed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their operations. It supports alignment with European Union (EU) standards as Albania progresses toward EU accession. The project aims to amplify the private sector’s positive impact on the environment and society, driving inclusive economic growth across Albania.

The winners:

Micro Category
•    Overall Winner: RecycAl
•    Winner for Core Business Activities and Operations: Pastrim Kimik Lavanderi Batica
•    Winner for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Policies and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Silky Wet Cleaning

Small Business Category
•    Overall Winner: Albanian Trip Shpk
•    Winner for Core Business Activities and Operations: Arilta B New Generation
•    Winner for ESG Policies and CSR: TCNdo

Medium Business Category
•    Overall Winner: Ujësjellës Kanalizime Rajoni Korçë
•    Winner for Core Business Activities and Operations: Edipack Shpk
•    Winner for ESG Policies and CSR: Elite Travel Group

Large Business Category
•    Overall Winner: Everest Shpk
•    Winner for Core Business Activities and Operations: American Bank of Investments SHA
•    Winner for ESG Policies and CSR: Balfin Group

International Business Category
•    Overall Winner: Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania
•    Winner for Core Business Activities and Operations: Vodafone Albania
•    Winner for ESG Policies and CSR: NOA Sha