ROME.- Stefano Boeri Architetti's 'Green Obsession' has won the SDG Action Award, the “Oscar” of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals which, as part of the United Nations' SDG Action campaign, rewards initiatives that mobilize, inspire and connect communities in order to promote positive change.

Created with the aim of enhancing the relationship between nature and design and implementing the principles of urban forestation, “Green Obsession” is Stefano Boeri Architetti’s design philosophy. Over time it has led to conferences, public programs and a book (“Green Obsession: Trees Towards Cities, Humans Towards Forests”, published by Actar in 2021 and supported by the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts) and it has now attracted the attention of the United Nations SDG Action Awards (dedicated to active promoters of change recognized for their work in implementing and popularising sustainability values) thanks to its unique approach to architecture and urban planning, but above all thanks to a new way of imagining the future of contemporary cities.

“Green Obsession presents a vision of a future in which cities are transformed through rooftop gardens, backyard community gardens, urban agriculture and tree-lined streets. Increasing the connectivity between woods, gardens and green areas and promoting the creation of ecological corridors are fundamental objectives of the Green Obsession: an attitude that goes beyond individual projects, bringing about a transformative urban forestry strategy and a new perspective of the future of the global urban landscape” says Maria Chiara Pastore, Head of the Research Department of Stefano Boeri Architetti and Researcher at the Milan Politecnico has accepted the award last night in Rome on behalf of the practice.

Selected from over 5,000 entries from 190 countries and covering the full range of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, Green Obsession – that has won in the INSPIRE category - encourages a new perspective on cities, fosters global collaboration and supports transformative policy actions. It envisions sustainable cities and communities that prioritize good health and well-being while stepping up climate action through its creative approach to urban planning, ecological connectivity and urban forestry – meeting SDGs 3, 11 and 13.

“We are happy and proud for this important recognition. Green Obsession brings together 20 years of ideas and projects aimed at bringing living nature and especially trees and forests into our cities. We must put trees and plants wherever possible: in squares, courtyards, avenues and on the roofs and facades of houses. The two great challenges of biodiversity and the cohabitation of living species are in fact the basis of every project of ecological transition and reduction of the damage caused by climate change. Green Obsession is therefore a work commitment and at the same time a feeling that we would like to share with anyone who looks with courage and optimism at the future of our cities and of our species on the planet” says the architect Stefano Boeri.

“The 2023 UN SDG Action Awards come as we approach the midpoint of Agenda 2030 – a critical crossroads in our journey towards a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive future for all,” said Marina Ponti, Global Director of the UN SDG Action Campaign. “Most importantly, they offer us an opportunity to honour and recognize the extraordinary individuals who are inspiring change and driving meaningful action for the SDGs.”

UN SDG Action Campaign

A special initiative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations hosted by the Executive Office of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). It was established to unite people around the world in order to take action regarding the SDGs and to connect civic society, local governments and people working in the arts and culture, media and private sectors in order to achieve the SDGs in homes, communities and beyond. With this objective, the campaign has been set up in order to MOBILIZE, INSPIRE AND CONNECT people and organizations across every sector and geography to take action to achieve the SDGs, including through the annual UN SDG Action Awards.