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MIPTV announced that two pioneering companies, Ubongo and Open Planet, will each receive the prestigious MIP SDG Award in recognition of their impactful contributions to sustainable development. Ubongo, a leading creator of children’s edutainment in Africa, and Open Planet, a visionary environmental footage library, will be honored at the upcoming MIPTV Spring International Television Market (8-10 April 2024) in partnership with the United Nations.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) serve as a roadmap for a more sustainable and equitable future, addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation.

Established in 2020 to align with the UN’s Decade of Action campaign, the MIP SDG Award acknowledges how the television industry can accelerate progress towards the SDGs through its editorial, campaigning, and business practices. Past recipients include notable organizations such as A+E Networks, ACT1, Junk Kouture, Sky, and Studio Silverback, renowned for their contributions to sustainability and social responsibility.

The 2024 winners were selected from over 70 entries spanning 24 countries by an esteemed international jury of social responsibility experts, producers, and past winners, including Mo Abudu, Troy Armour, Márcia Balisciano, Amanda Hill, and Hyeonza Hong.

Ubongo, which originated as a grassroots initiative in Tanzania and has since expanded into a pan-African social enterprise, reaches an estimated 42 million families in 23 countries, providing quality educational content through mass media channels such as TV, radio, and mobile platforms. The organization will be honored for its commitment to promoting inclusive and equitable quality education, aligning with SDG Goal 4.

Open Planet, a rapidly growing library offering free access to high-quality environmental footage, was launched in 2023 by Studio Silverback in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University’s CREATE Lab. Recognized for its innovation and contribution to multiple SDGs, Open Planet enables content creators and storytellers to better illustrate and address global environmental challenges and solutions.

The awards ceremony, scheduled for April 9th at 11:45 in the Palais des Festivals, will feature a special keynote session presented by Caroline Petit, the United Nations’ Deputy Director for the United Nations Regional Information Centre for Europe. The event will include interviews with Ubongo CEO Mwasi Wilmore and Open Planet’s Director of Operations Emily Renshaw-Smith, highlighting the impact and significance of their initiatives.