World Prize for Integrated Development

NIRAS sponsors the World Prize for Integrated Development, which is an accolade for outstanding work in the field of international development. The prize is awarded to a person or organisation exemplifying extraordinary work with an integrated approach to international development. This means that the award praises work that acknowledges the need to ensure life’s basic essentials such as access to clean drinking water, heat, education, health care, and hygiene. 

In intellectual terms, an integrated approach can for example constitute informed research, education, and communication across all relevant fields. The prize is open for all nominated persons or organizations across the world who meet the criteria – with the exception of NIRAS’ own employees. 

Focused on international development, the Prize is oriented toward less-developed regions of the world. The prize of 20,000 EUR is awarded to the winner, who is chosen be an international Selection Panel highly experienced in integrated development and disciplines such as agriculture, cultural respect, education, engineering, health, and development research.  

In 2018, the prize was awarded to Graça Machel from Mozambique for her impressive results in working with social justice and tireless work on behalf of women and children. In particular, Mrs Machel is recognised for her leadership of the Graça Machel Trust, a Pan-African advocacy organisation focused on child health and nutrition, education, women’s economic and financial empowerment, leadership and good governance.