WeMed Award 2026

The Mediterranean Sustainability Award aims to promote
an inclusive transition to sustainability in the Mediterranean.

In this fifth edition, organised by MedWaves, the United Nations Environment Programme Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP) Regional Activity Centre for Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP), the award recognises success stories of sustainable businesses in the early and growth stage focusing on the nexus between green and social innovations.

Category A

Early-Stage

A product or service that has been on the market for less than 3 years.
Integration of environmental and social values into the business model.
An economically viable business model.
A business plan demonstrating potential environmental and social benefits (not necessarily already implemented).
For-profit or non-profit entities (SMEs, associations of self-employed workers, cooperatives, foundations, etc.) with a maximum of 25 employees.
Legally established in one of the eligible territories.

Prize

20.000 euros

Category B

Growth-Stage

Operational companies with businesses established for a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 10 years, demonstrating measurable environmental and social benefits.
Companies with more than 10 years of activity that have transformed their traditional business model into a sustainable one, integrating environmental and social values while ensuring economic viability.
For-profit or non-profit entities with a maximum of 250 employees.
Legally established in one of the eligible countries.
A business plan demonstrating potential or actual environmental and social benefits.

Prize

20.000 euros

WEMED AWARD APPLICATION

Apply Now!

Technical Form

JURY

PATRIZIA BUSOLINI

UNEP/MAP Socio-Economic and Sustainable Development Officer

Patrizia works with UNEP/MAP, focusing on socio-economic aspects and sustainable development. Previously with the European Commission’s DG MARE, she coordinated the implementation of the EU Sustainable Blue Economy Communication and managed EU Sea Basin Strategies.
RAMÓN FARRENY

Eco-Innovation and Circular Economy Expert | CTO at Inèdit

Ramón is co-founder and Chief Technical Officer of Inèdit, a strategic eco-innovation studio. An expert in circular economy and environmental innovation, he has supported green entrepreneurs and contributed to entrepreneurship methodologies and training across the Mediterranean through SwitchMed.
TAMARA GHANDOUR

Impact Investing and Strategic Philanthropy Expert | Founder & CEO of RAMA Impact

Tamara is the Founder and CEO of RAMA Impact, supporting women-led climate and social enterprises across the Middle East and Africa. She brings over a decade of experience in impact investing, strategic philanthropy and humanitarian action.

MAYA KARKOUR

Environmental and Circular Economy Specialist and Eco-Entrepreneur

Maya is the founder and Managing Director of EcoConsulting and the Circular Hub. She has extensive experience in sustainability and circular economy and has coached and mentored environmental start-ups and social entrepreneurs across the region.
HICHEM SALEM

Sustainable Entrepreneurship Expert | Project Manager at MedWaves

Hichem brings over 20 years of experience in international cooperation and sustainable development. His work focuses on green entrepreneurship, sustainable and circular business models, and supporting organisations and entrepreneurs across the Southern Mediterranean.

ABOUT

The WeMed Award is hosted by MedWaves, the United Nations Environment Programme Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP) Regional Activity Centre for Sustainable Consumption and Production (MedWaves – Catalan Waste Agency)

WeMed, the Mediterranean Sustainability Award, is a flagship initiative of the UNEP/MAP Mediterranean strategy for Sustainable Development (MSSD).

The fifth edition of WeMed is funded by the Waste Agency of Catalonia and the UNEP/MAP through its Mediterranean Trust Fund.