Zenzi Awases joins UN sustainability awards jury
Zenzi Awases, who leads the Association of Women in Mining in Africa and chairs the Women in Mining Association of Namibia, has joined the international jury for the United Nations Industrial Development Organization’s first One World Sustainability Awards. The geologist-turned-policy advocate views the recognition program as confirmation that combining economic returns with social benefit represents the only viable growth model.
Awases emphasized that sustainable supply chains require transparency and equitable distribution of resource wealth to local populations rather than merely reducing negative impacts. She expressed enthusiasm for evaluating innovative startups that challenge conventional practices through technologies like blockchain, mineral tracking and renewable energy systems for mining operations.
The women in the industry category hold particular significance for Awases, who has championed female participation across mining sectors. She maintains that including women in leadership and operational roles provides strategic advantages by introducing varied viewpoints that strengthen community relationships and reduce project risks. The awards ceremony will take place in Saudi Arabia.
