AMSTERDAM – The International Pride Awards, a global initiative recognizing the work of advocates for LGBTIQ+ equality, will hold its 2026 ceremony in Amsterdam. The event is scheduled for August 5, 2026, and will be a part of the WorldPride Amsterdam celebrations, bringing a significant international focus to the city.
The awards are a joint project by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and ILGA World. Their stated purpose is to highlight the efforts of human rights defenders, share their stories, and inspire further action for equality. In many parts of the world, LGBTIQ+ individuals continue to face severe discrimination, violence, and legal persecution.
Five Categories for Recognition
The awards will honour five recipients across distinct categories, focusing on different aspects of activism and allyship. Public nominations for these categories will be accepted from March 17 to April 17, 2026, via an online portal on the awards' official website.
The five categories are:
- Movement building in the face of hostility: For an individual or organisation making a positive impact on LGBTIQ+ lives within a hostile or high-risk environment.
- Celebrating Diverse Lives: For an individual championing the protection, freedom, and equality of trans, gender diverse, and intersex people.
- Emerging leader: Recognising a person who is shaping the future of LGBTIQ+ liberation for a new generation.
- Lifelong pursuit of equality: Honouring an individual whose pioneering work has had an enduring and far-reaching influence on equality.
- Extraordinary ally: Celebrating a person from outside the LGBTIQ+ community who has passionately worked to enhance freedom and rights for others.
Awardees from low- and middle-income countries will also receive a US$10,000 grant to support their ongoing work. Following the nomination period, a long list of candidates will be reviewed by an Awards Committee, with provisional awardees undergoing a due diligence process before the final announcement in Amsterdam.
A Global Stage in the Netherlands
The selection of Amsterdam as the host city for the 2026 ceremony places the Netherlands at the centre of this global recognition of LGBTIQ+ activism. It aligns with the city's role as the host of WorldPride, an event expected to draw visitors and participants from around the world to celebrate and advocate for queer and trans rights.
The International Pride Awards team encourages the public to consider who in their communities and beyond might be a deserving nominee. More information about the nomination criteria and process is available on the official awards website.
