Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance opens applications for its £50,000 UN Sustainable Development Goals Award, targeting widening access to justice

Global law firm Clifford Chance today opens applications for its 2024 global United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) Award, which recognises contributions by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) towards the achievement of the UN SDGs. The firm will donate £50,000 from the Clifford Chance Foundation alongside 500 hours of pro bono support to the winning organisation.

This year's Award will focus on NGOs whose work contributes towards SDG 16, which is to "promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels".

The judges welcome entries from NGOs around the world adopting innovative strategies in relation to access to justice and SDG 16, in particular those for whom winning the award would have the potential to help them significantly scale their work, or in other ways transform the organisation. Entries will be assessed by the same criteria irrespective both of the entrant's geographical location and of whether they have had any previous involvement with Clifford Chance.

Not for profit employment organisation Alive and Kicking was the winner of last year's award which focused on SDG 8 and the creation of sustainable economic opportunities. Clifford Chance's pro bono support and funding is currently helping Alive and Kicking to scale up to working in other countries in Africa, increasing commercial partnerships with organisations and building awareness of its work.

Key application process dates:

• Application process opens on Monday 24 June 2024 and can be accessed here
• Application process closes on 2nd August 2024
• Winner announced October 2024

The winner will be chosen by a judging panel led by Clifford Chance Senior Partner Adrian Cartwright, as well as representatives from the firm's Responsible Business Board, the firm's strategic pro bono partners, and select client representatives.

For more information on Clifford Chance's pro bono and community activities, please visit here.