New York Life & Beyond Magazine Announces Inaugural International Impact Awards During UNGA 80

2025 International Impact Awards Recipients
Category                                                                   Recipient
Renewable Energy & Climate Action                             Damilola Ogunbiyi
Clean Energy Innovation                                             Sumant Sinha
Environmental Conservation & Youth Leadership           Wanjira Mathai
Climate Justice & Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation               Kumi Naidoo
Global Climate Mobilization                                          Bill McKibben
Corporate Sustainability Leadership                              Ali Çınar (SOCAR)

Meet the Honorees

Damilola Ogunbiyi — CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All and Co-Chair of UN-Energy. She is a leading global voice on universal energy access, clean cooking solutions, renewable energy projects, and sustainable energy financing.

Sumant Sinha — Chairman and CEO of ReNew, one of India’s largest renewable energy companies. Recognized for scaling solar and wind power projects and driving the global conversation on accelerating the transition to renewable energy.

Wanjira Mathai — Managing Director for Africa and Global Partnerships at the World Resources Institute and a long-standing advocate for forest ecosystem preservation, sustainable development, and empowering women and youth with environmental awareness through her leadership with the Green Belt Movement.

Kumi Naidoo — South African human rights and climate justice activist, and President of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative. He is celebrated for championing fossil fuel phase-outs, advancing climate justice, and leading the global push for a just transition to renewable energy.

Bill McKibben — Distinguished Scholar at Middlebury College, author, and co-founder of 350.org. A world-renowned environmental activist known for mobilizing millions in the fight against climate change and advocating for a fossil-free future.

Ali Çınar — Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipient, award-winning journalist, and Adjunct Lecturer on Future Communication and AI. Recognized for his leadership in corporate sustainability, contributing to renewable energy initiatives and promoting environmentally responsible practices within the energy sector.

About the Awards

The New York Life & Beyond International Impact Awards celebrate bold, innovative leaders whose work transcends borders and uplifts humanity. This year’s honorees were selected for their measurable, high-impact contributions to:

Expanding clean and sustainable energy access worldwide

Advancing health, education, and welfare for children and women in crisis zones

Delivering life-saving humanitarian relief under conflict and disaster conditions

Championing climate justice and environmental innovation

The awards ceremony will take place in New York City during UNGA 80, convening global leaders from government, business, civil society, and media to celebrate progress and inspire further action for a sustainable and equitable future. 

About New York Life & Beyond Magazine

Founded in 2002 under the original name Turk of America, New York Life & Beyond Magazine has been a trusted platform for over two decades, highlighting the achievements, success stories, and inspiring journeys of entrepreneurs, professionals, and changemakers from diverse backgrounds.

Over the years, the magazine has hosted numerous award ceremonies, networking events, and special features that celebrate excellence in business, culture, innovation, and community impact. Today, New York Life & Beyond continues its mission of connecting leaders, telling powerful human stories, and shining a light on the individuals and organizations shaping a better future.