Actor, content creator, activist and author Prajakta Koli has been appointed to the high-level judging panel for the 2026 Heroes of Tomorrow: UN SDG Action Awards , becoming the first Indian to serve on the jury.
Speaking about her appointment, Koli said, “I have always believed in the power of storytelling, creativity and young people taking charge. In a world facing so many big challenges, progress starts with people. Koli’s advocacy work has included representing young people at international platforms such as COP28, the World Economic Forum in Davos, the United Nations General Assembly and Climate Week NYC. She was also named to the inaugural TIME100 Creators list and serves as UNDP India’s Youth Climate Champion. The UN SDG Action Awards are produced in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. Looking for trusted parenting advice? Follow TOI Parenting Circle on Instagram for expert guidance, relatable stories, and practical tips delivered every day. Get the latest Lifestyle News and more. Download the TOI app.
The Heroes of Tomorrow are fearless and persistent changemakers using innovation, art and bold action against the odds to build a more sustainable, equitable and peaceful world.
Nine global finalists will travel to Rome for a coaching and capacity-building programme before the awards ceremony on October 29, 2026 . Now in its ninth year, the awards recognise initiatives across three categories — Changemaker, Creativity and Resilience . The ceremony will be broadcast globally on UN WebTV and Italy’s national broadcaster RAI.
Koli will be the sole Indian representative on this year’s panel, which will assess more than 5,000 entries from 190 countries . The awards, led by the UN SDG Action Campaign and hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), recognise initiatives working towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The appointment adds another international platform to Koli’s growing work at the intersection of entertainment, youth advocacy and social impact. She is known for leading the Netflix series Mismatched and has also appeared in the war drama Operation Safed Sagar . She joins an international jury that includes UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, UNDP Administrator and former Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs Felipe Paullier, Oxfam International Executive Director Amitabh Behar and Cannes Best Actress winner Merve Dizdar.