The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
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Delivering impact for the people we serve
UNOPS proudly announces the winners of the latest Project of the Year Awards – an annual internal initiative that celebrates the impact of projects tackling complex challenges and responding where needs are greatest.
UNOPS Project of the Year Awards recognize outstanding achievements in project delivery across all regions. Just six projects were chosen out of more than 1,100 projects delivered by UNOPS in over 130 countries in 2024.
Projects are assessed using a range of criteria – including gender, diversity, social inclusion and their contribution to UNOPS eight dedicated missions, which drive our efforts to scale up action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The winning projects demonstrate excellence in project management and embody UN core values throughout their implementation.
"These awards are an important opportunity to reflect on and recognize the significant contributions UNOPS teams are making to address urgent needs and support the communities we serve," said Jorge Moreira da Silva, UNOPS Executive Director.
In the face of a growing number of global challenges, these projects demonstrate UNOPS continued focus on action – and our commitment to making tangible changes to people’s lives through practical solutions.
Winners of UNOPS 2024 Project of the Year Awards are:
Ecuador
In Ecuador, insufficient and outdated ambulances have hampered emergency health services. UNOPS partnered with the Ecuadorian Ministry of Public Health to procure advanced life support ambulances – bringing faster, life-saving primary healthcare to millions of people, especially in vulnerable communities.
Global
In a world where emergencies force people to flee their homes, the EU-UNOPS Lives in Dignity Grant Facility supported community-driven solutions to address forced displacement. Connecting local organizations with international funding, around €30 million was allocated to projects in 15 countries in Africa, Asia and the Americas – positively impacting nearly 1 million people.
Myanmar
Conflict in Myanmar has displaced millions of people and pushed the health system to the brink of collapse. The UNOPS-managed Access to Health Fund is working with local health organizations in this challenging environment to ensure those most in need have access to healthcare – with more than 5 million people receiving critical health services between 2019 and 2023.
South Sudan
Amid recurring conflicts and extreme weather events in South Sudan, local institutions struggle to meet people’s needs. Working with the International Organization for Migration and the World Bank, a UNOPS-implemented project helped protect more than 60,000 people from devastating floods, increased access to essential services and strengthened local institutions – paving the way for a resilient and sustainable future.
Ukraine
Since 2022, the war in Ukraine has damaged and destroyed hundreds of thousands of homes in Kharkiv. UNOPS and the government of Japan worked to repair apartments and address immediate energy needs for more than 870,000 people facing harsh winter conditions – restoring hope and supporting a resilient and inclusive recovery.
Yemen
Years of conflict in Yemen have crippled essential infrastructure, with just 10 per cent of people able to access public electricity. UNOPS and the World Bank worked to equip more than 500 critical service facilities and 117,600 households with solar power – restoring power for millions and laying the foundation for a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive Yemen.
