We are deeply honored to share that, out of more than 750 entries worldwide, Hope For Ukraine has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2026 Reuters Global Sustainability Awards in two distinct categories: the Social Impact Award and the Product Innovation Award.
When the power grid is weaponized—turning darkness and freezing temperatures into daily realities for families living through war—waiting for traditional relief is simply not enough. In response to relentless attacks on critical civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, Hope For Ukraine made a steadfast decision: we needed to move beyond temporary consumables and find a permanent, sustainable solution. That vision became our Solar Energy Resilience Program. Working hand-in-hand with local teams, volunteers, and trusted partners, we deliver vital decentralized solar energy kits directly to impacted communities.
Statistics tell one part of the story, but human lives tell the rest. Consider a family of six—a mother, father, and four children—from the Kherson region who fled their home after occupation destroyed everything they had built. Relocating to Kryvyi Rih to start entirely from zero, they faced intense hardships when mass power outages struck the city. Compounding this tragedy, one of their toddler twins suffers from a chronic illness requiring regular, time-sensitive inhalation procedures, forcing the parents to make exhausting daily trips to a public municipal “invincibility point” just to keep vital medical equipment running.
When they turned to Hope For Ukraine, we provided them with a complete Solar Resilience Kit—comprising a high-capacity portable generator, a 200W solar panel, and an electric cooktop—alongside essential food packages. Their gratitude meant the world to us. As the war continued to rage on, we knew we had to evolve the program further; therefore we introduced a specialized transfer switch that allows these portable units to integrate directly into a home’s electrical panel, transforming a standalone gadget into a sustainable, whole-home backup power system.
Today, that family—and thousands like them—no longer have to brave freezing conditions to secure electricity for critical medical treatments. Their children can complete schoolwork on time, and a semblance of normalcy has been restored to their daily lives. With over 2,600 kits delivered and a waitlist of 20,000+ families, Hope For Ukraine is proving that decentralized renewable energy is the most viable path to survival and resilience in the face of modern infrastructure warfare.
As Ukraine continues to face relentless attacks on its energy grids, fostering resilience at the household level is more critical than ever. We are humbled to see this mission recognized on a global stage, and even more proud of what this program makes possible for families across Ukraine every single day.
Learn more about Hope For Ukraine’s Solar Energy Resilience Program and discover how decentralized, sustainable solar power is helping families maintain stability and dignity during disruptions.
Gabriella Ramirez serves as the External & Donor Relations Manager at Hope For Ukraine, working to bring safety, hope, and support to Ukrainian children and families.
Short FAQ
What awards is Hope For Ukraine a finalist for?
Hope For Ukraine’s Solar Energy Resilience Program is a finalist for both the Social Impact Award and Product Innovation Award at the Reuters Events Global Sustainability Awards 2026.
When are the winners announced?
The winners will be announced during the awards ceremony in London on October 21, 2026.
What does the Solar Energy Resilience Program provide?
The program helps provide portable solar energy equipment that can give Ukrainian families backup power for lighting, charging devices, and other basic household needs during outages.