For Immediate Release
Green Project Management (GPM) Announces 2024 Award Winners: Aga Khan Foundation, Pauline Melnyk, and Algonquin College

December 16th, 2025
Detroit, Michigan, USA – Green Project Management® (GPM) is proud to unveil the recipients of its 2024 awards, recognizing organizations and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to sustainability in project management. The awards honor the Aga Khan Foundation as the Sustainable Project of the Year, Pauline Melnyk with the Sustainability Award, and Algonquin College as the Partner of the Year.

Sustainable Project of the Year: Aga Khan Foundation

The Aga Khan Foundation has been recognized for its transformative initiative, "DAWA: A Recipe for a Sustainable Future." This innovative project addresses critical issues of food security, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment. It focuses on providing vulnerable communities with the tools, resources, and knowledge to create sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.

At the heart of the DAWA initiative is the promotion of climate-smart agriculture, combining traditional farming techniques with modern innovations to reduce environmental impact and increase yields. The project also prioritizes community-led development, ensuring that local stakeholders are actively involved in shaping solutions tailored to their unique needs. By emphasizing inclusive participation, DAWA has strengthened social cohesion and enhanced the economic resilience of communities, particularly among women and marginalized groups.

The initiative has achieved remarkable results, including measurable improvements in food security, soil health, and water conservation. Additionally, the program has empowered communities to adapt to climate change challenges by adopting practices that mitigate environmental risks while fostering long-term sustainability.

David Smyth, Executive Vice President of GPM, commended the project: "The DAWA initiative exemplifies how sustainable project management can tackle pressing global challenges at a grassroots level. The Aga Khan Foundation’s innovative approach to fostering resilience and sustainability in vulnerable communities is nothing short of extraordinary. This project is a testament to the power of partnerships, knowledge-sharing, and the integration of sustainability into every facet of development."

Sustainability Award: Pauline Melnyk

Pauline Melnyk, a seasoned coach and mentor, receives the Sustainability Award for her remarkable contributions to sustainable leadership and organizational transformation. With over 2,500 coaching hours and accreditations from prestigious institutions such as APMG International, Green Project Management (GPM), and the International Coaching Federation, Pauline exemplifies the fusion of expertise and passion in advancing sustainability.

"Pauline has redefined leadership in sustainability," said Smyth. "Her work goes beyond conventional coaching by integrating human resilience and sustainable values, empowering leaders to drive impactful change across their organizations."

Partner of the Year: Algonquin College

Algonquin College has been awarded Partner of the Year for its innovative programs, Sustainable Project Management in Transportation and Sustainable Project Management in Construction. These programs equip students and professionals with the skills to design and manage projects that align with sustainability principles while addressing complex industry challenges.

"Algonquin College is an extraordinary partner in advancing sustainability through education," Smyth stated. "Their commitment to equipping professionals with the tools and knowledge to meet the demands of a changing world underscores their leadership in this space."

About GPM

GPM is the global leader in sustainable project management. Through its standards, certifications, and partnerships, GPM drives progress toward regnerative development. As a social enterprise, GPM empowers organizations and individuals to align their operations with sustainability principles, fostering long-term success and environmental responsibility.

For more information about the awards or the recipients, visit GPM’s website.