Kathmandu, Nepal – December 28, 2025
The SDG Champion Prize Ceremony 2025 was successfully held on December 28, 2025, in Kathmandu, Nepal, recognizing outstanding individuals and institutions for their exceptional contributions toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The prestigious ceremony was jointly organized by Human Harmony Nepal, led by its Founder and President Ms. Namita Ghimire, Project 100, led by Mr. Suraj Gaikwad, and the World Conference Council, with the valued support of the Government of Nepal.
The event brought together global leaders, policymakers, academicians, innovators, social entrepreneurs, and civil society representatives, fostering dialogue, collaboration, and shared responsibility for sustainable development. The program emphasized the 17 interconnected SDGs adopted by UN Member States in 2015, with special focus on no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, climate action, and strong institutions, highlighting the importance of global partnerships in achieving the 2030 Agenda.
Opening and Key Addresses
The ceremony commenced with an Opening Address by Ms. Namita Ghimire, Founder & President of Human Harmony Nepal, who warmly welcomed the dignitaries and emphasized collective action, compassion, and accountability as essential drivers of sustainable development.
Ms. Angel Ghimire (Project 100 Nepal) delivered inspiring remarks highlighting the importance of youth leadership, innovation, and grassroots engagement in advancing the SDGs.
The session was facilitated by Mr. Suraj Gaikwad, Founder of Project 100 Global, who emphasized international cooperation, cross-border partnerships, and shared responsibility in achieving sustainable development goals.
The Keynote Address was delivered by H.E. Dr. Rambhakta Thakur, Former Ambassador, Former Election Commissioner, and Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nepal, who highlighted the role of diplomacy, good governance, and institutional integrity in ensuring long-term global stability and sustainable development.
Distinguished Speakers and Their Impact
The ceremony featured insights from eminent leaders and professionals whose contributions have significantly impacted society, governance, innovation, and national development:
Dr. B. Lakshmikantham, IAS – A senior civil servant recognized for his contributions to public administration, governance reforms, and inclusive policy implementation.
Mr. Mohit Kumar – An inventor, author, and entrepreneur whose innovations inspire youth-led technological solutions aligned with sustainable development.
Mr. Pratik Yaswant Chavan – Lawyer, entrepreneur, and Founder & Managing Director of Pratik Group, promoting ethical entrepreneurship and legal empowerment.
Mr. Manoj Kumar Kandoi Agarwal – Former President of the Indian Citizens Association of Nepal, known for strengthening community welfare initiatives and Nepal–India people-to-people relations.
Hon. Yankila Sherpa – Former Tourism Minister and Member of the Provincial Assembly, Bagmati Province, contributing to sustainable tourism and inclusive governance.
Hon. Bhagwati Chaudhary – Former Minister of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens of Nepal, a strong advocate for gender equality and social protection.
Hon. Krishna Hari Maharjan – Mayor of Tarkeshwar Municipality, leading grassroots governance and sustainable local development initiatives.
Mr. Md Shahid – Founder of Digital Blood Bank Nepal, whose technology-enabled platform has saved lives by connecting blood donors with recipients.
Mr. Aradhya Raj Gurung – A youth leader actively engaged in community development and youth empowerment.
Mr. Milan Gurung – A healthcare professional contributing to public health management and healthcare system strengthening.
Er. Amrit Ranabhat – AI/ML researcher, senior software engineer, and lecturer advancing digital transformation and technology education.
Panel Discussions
Panel Discussion I: Global Partnerships for Sustainable Development
Moderated by Ms. Mahalakshmi Sankar Ganesh, the panel focused on NGO collaboration, international cooperation, and multi-stakeholder partnerships.
Felicitated Panelists:
Mr. Ananda Prasad Pokharel – Former Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal
Mr. Yagya Prasad Neupane – Chairman, Nepal Pharmacy Council
Mr. Bishnu Prasad Basel – Adjunct Professor of Sociology, Tribhuvan University
Mr. MKA Shahinoor Rahman Jahid – CEO, GM Holdings Limited
Mr. Avishek Ahmed – Executive Director, Pran RFL Group
Panel Discussion II: Future of Education – Transforming Learning for Sustainable Development
Moderated by Ms. Richa Shahaney, the discussion explored digital learning, equity in education, and future-ready skills.
Felicitated Panelists:
Dr. Annapurna Satapathy – Member, World’s Women Forum; International UNICEF Council Fundraising Secretary
Ms. Samriti Shelly – Educator, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Indian Embassy
Mr. Kumar Swamy – Educator, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Indian Embassy
Mr. Mangesh Manohar Deshmukh – Lawyer and social advocate
Messages of Best Wishes
The ceremony was further enriched by messages of best wishes and encouragement from senior leaders of Project 100, who commended the organizers and participants for their commitment to sustainable development:
H.E. George Mkondiwa, Chairman of Project 100, Former Ambassador of Malawi to the USA, Former High Commissioner of Malawi to India, Former Cabinet Secretary of the Malawi Government, and Former Vice President of the Africa Cabinet Government Network, conveyed his best wishes and emphasized the importance of global solidarity, ethical leadership, and international cooperation in achieving the SDGs.
Dr. A. D. Sawant, Vice President of Project 100, Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Rajasthan, Former Pro Vice-Chancellor of Mumbai University, and Former Joint Director of Higher Education, Government of Maharashtra, extended his best wishes and highlighted the transformative role of education, research, and academic leadership in building sustainable societies.
Dr. Dnyaneshwar Mulay, Working President of Project 100, Former Vice-Chancellor of Veer Kunwar Singh University, Ara (Bihar Government), and Former Vice-Chancellor of Himalayan University, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, shared his best wishes and underscored the importance of knowledge, ethical governance, and youth empowerment in advancing the global sustainability agenda.
Closing Speech and Vote of thanks
The ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Mr. Mangesh Manohar Deshmukh, Director of Project 100, who expressed sincere gratitude to all dignitaries, speakers, panelists, partners, organizers, and participants for their invaluable contributions and collective commitment toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.