The Pontis Foundation presented an award for sustainable development. The winning organization was the non-governmental organisation PDCS

Similar to last year, the Pontis Foundation was presenting a single award to an individual or organisation that made the most significant contribution to the fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the past year. These 17 goals, defined by the United Nations, aim to end poverty, fight inequality, and halt climate change, as envisioned by world leaders. “This year again, we wanted to award someone who was able to respond directly to current challenges, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, the spread of disinformation, polarisation of society, crisis of trust in democratic institutions, as well as the economic crisis associated with inflation,” explains Michal Kišša, the executive director of the Pontis Foundation. 

The Pontis Foundation awarded the SDGs Award to the non-governmental organisation PDCS for its long-term efforts in developing a democratic dialogue at all levels across sectors and combating the polarisation of society. The award ceremony was part of the BLF Summit conference, which the Pontis Foundation and the Business Leaders Forum have been organising for 20 years. “Currently, we all feel there are different opinion- and value camps and only a small willingness for discussion and cooperation. Awarding an organisation that seeks ways to bring a divided society closer together is very important to make Slovakia a better place to live,” says Katarína Pšenáková, the administrator of the Tesco Foundation, which has been supporting the award and the SDGs topics for years. 

The award for PDCS was accepted by Lukáš Zorád, the Programme Director, and Anna Zemanová, the Deputy Director received the award on behalf of PDCS. The award was presented by Katarína Pšenáková, the administrator of the Tesco Foundation, and Michal Kišša, the executive director of the Pontis Foundation.

About PDCS

PDCS is a non-governmental organisation that has focused on conflict transformation for over 30 years. In Slovakia and across Europe, it aims to connect relevant stakeholders, promote good practices, and introduce new methods for depolarisation and strengthening the culture of democratic dialogue. Within current social issues, PDCS seeks forms of discussion that allow participants with different, often conflicting, views to achieve understanding and agreement on what we, as a society, should do in specific matters.

Through courses, simulations, and other cultural-educational events, PDCS provides education to students and educators in Slovak schools, focusing mainly on topics related to peacebuilding and active citizenship. This includes addressing issues of extremism, radicalisation, and societal polarisation. The organisation is also actively involved in training focused on conflict transformation, civic participation, and new challenges in education.