CID Collaboration Award 2025

The CID Collaboration Award 2025 reflects the heart of this year’s Annual Conference theme – Uniting Voices for Global Impact Through Collaboration. In an increasingly complex world, where challenges transcend borders and sectors, the importance of genuine, strategic partnerships has never been more apparent.

This award celebrates the strength of collective action and the value of working together across differences. It honours a CID member or initiative that has built exceptional alliances – with local communities, governments, the private sector, academia and others – to create meaningful, lasting change. We are looking for stories that reflect innovation, resilience, and the power of shared purpose in addressing some of the world’s toughest challenges.

We are pleased to share that the 2025 Collaboration Award will be presented by the Rt Hon Winston Peters, Minister of Foreign Affairs – a recognition of the significance of collaborative efforts within New Zealand’s international development vision.

As we look ahead to this year’s award, we warmly invite our members to share their stories of connection and collaboration. Let’s continue to champion the partnerships that bring about real, lasting impact – and celebrate the united voices shaping a better future.

Focus and Emphasis

We are particularly interested in projects that demonstrate:

• Uniting Diverse Voices: Projects that meaningfully integrate the perspectives and participation of diverse stakeholders, amplify marginalised voices, and foster inclusive partnerships.
• Innovative Collaboration: Projects that creatively overcome obstacles, leverage technology, or forge new pathways for collaboration across geographical and sectoral divides.
• Meaningful Engagement: Initiatives that centre the voices and participation of communities and beneficiaries, ensuring equitable and inclusive partnerships.
• Sustainable Impact: Projects that show measurable, long-term impact and contribute to lasting positive change.

Submission Guidelines

To truly capture the essence of your collaborative journey, we encourage submissions in the form of a visual narrative. This can be presented through:

• Dynamic Photo Slideshow with Descriptive Text/Subtitles: A visually engaging slideshow that combines high-quality photographs with clear and concise text or subtitles. These should convey the project's key components, context, and impact, particularly highlighting how diverse voices were united.
• Short Video (Maximum 3 Minutes): A well-produced video showcasing the project's impact. This may include interviews, on-the-ground footage, and visuals that bring the story to life. All videos must include audio narration or subtitles for accessibility.

Emphasis on Clear Communication

Whether you choose a slideshow or video, your submission should clearly communicate:

• The project’s goals and objectives
• The collaborative process, including the role of each partner – with a focus on how voices were united
• Challenges faced and how they were addressed
• The project's outcomes and its demonstration of global impact
• How the project’s outcomes are sustainable over time

 

Judging Criteria

• Narrative Impact (Storytelling): How effectively the visual submission conveys the story, particularly the challenges, solutions, and how diverse voices were brought together.
• Scope and Reach (Engagement): The extent to which the project reached and engaged its intended communities or beneficiaries.
• Impact and Sustainability (Outcomes): The measurable and lasting outcomes of the project, and its potential for ongoing benefit.
• Collaborative Synergy (Partnership): The quality and strength of partnerships, and how they contributed to the project’s success.
• Visual Creativity and Engagement (Presentation): The creativity and clarity of the visual presentation, and its ability to effectively communicate the project’s message.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a full or affiliate CID member
• Submit a completed application form and a photo slideshow with descriptive text/subtitles or a short video (maximum 3 minutes) with audio narration or subtitles
• Have initiated the project within the last two years, and either completed it within the last 12 months or have it currently operational
• Consent to the use of submitted materials on CID’s website, social media, and in potential media coverage