The highly competitive category, which included nominees from a range of world-leading private sector companies, recognized UNOPS innovative approach to advancing sustainable procurement, through its UNOPS Possibilities (UP) programme.

“Through the UP programme, we’re supporting supplier diversity and helping micro, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) unlock their potential to become successful entrepreneurs,” said Patricia Moser, (former) UNOPS Director for Procurement.  

"We are delighted to receive this award in recognition of this important initiative. UNOPS is committed to building capacity within MSMEs in communities around the world – particularly women- and youth-owned businesses,” she added.

The UP programme comprises supplier engagement workshops, known as UP Forums, as well as a dedicated solutions portal that aims to identify unique and innovative products or services that could add value to UNOPS projects. The programme targets local MSMEs, with a focus on women- and youth-owned enterprises. To date, UP Forums have been held in Brazil, Ethiopia, Jordan and Myanmar, with more planned in Ghana and Pakistan.   

Read more about the UNOPS Possibilities programme here.