Shri Narendra Modi was awarded the UN Champions of the Earth Award in 2018. Champions of the Earth Award - an overview The Champions of the Earth award, the UN’s highest environmental honour, recognizes outstanding leaders from government, civil society and the private sector whose actions have a transformative impact on the environment. Every year, since 2005, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) honours individuals and organizations working on innovative and sustainable solutions. Award categories Champions of the Earth are celebrated in four categories: Policy leadership - Individuals influencing or advancing global, regional or national action through policy interventions to improve environmental outcomes. They shape the dialogue, drive commitments, and act for the good of the planet. Inspiration and action - Leaders taking bold steps to inspire positive change to protect our world. They lead by example, challenge behavior and inspire millions. Entrepreneurial vision - Visionaries challenging the status quo to build a cleaner future. They build systems, create new technology and spearhead a groundbreaking vision. Science and innovation -Trailblazers pushing the boundaries of technology for profound environmental benefit. They invent possibilities for a more sustainable world. Indian winner 2018 - Shri Narendra Modi Award Category: Policy Leadership UN Environment Programme has recognized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his bold environmental leadership on the global stage. Under Modi’s leadership, India pledged to eliminate all single-use plastics in the country. Prime Minister Modi also supports and champions the International Solar Alliance, a global partnership to scale up solar energy. The Prime Minister received the Award for his extensive efforts to ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’– including an ambitious pledge to eliminate all single-use plastic in the country by 2022. Under Modi’s leadership, Indian sustainable policy implementation and green grassroots initiatives have flourished, with forty million new cooking gas connections and over three hundred million LED bulbs being installed across the country. A major push towards renewable energy in recent years has propelled India to scale new heights in renewable energy worldwide. Source : UNEP