In a world where environmental degradation, social injustice and political turmoil seem to dominate headlines, the urgent call for men and women of good conscience and ability to steward our planet and its inhabitants has never been more pronounced. As Earth faces unprecedented challenges — from climate change and biodiversity loss to social inequality — our collective future hinges upon the actions of individuals committed to fostering positive change.
The Rolex Awards for Enterprise were set up in 1976 by André J. Heiniger, then Chief Executive Officer of Rolex, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Rolex Oyster, the world’s first waterproof wristwatch. Intended to be a once-only celebration, the Awards drew such international attention that Rolex transformed them into a biennial programme that has, in the years since, supported 160 Laureates whose projects have had a profound impact across 65 countries.
Heiniger said, “We initiated the Rolex Awards for Enterprise out of a conviction that we had a responsibility as a company to take an active interest in improving life on our planet and in the desire to foster values we
cherish: quality, ingenuity, determination and, above all, a spirit of enterprise.”
The Rolex Awards are unique in several ways. Unlike most other award programmes, they are not designed to recognise past achievements — they are given for new or ongoing projects.
At the heart of this imperative lies the recognition that the well-being of our planet is inextricably linked to the well-being of its inhabitants. Human civilisation is not an isolated entity but rather a dynamic component of Earth’s intricate ecosystems. Therefore, the responsibility to safeguard and nurture our planet transcends borders, cultures and ideologies. It demands a holistic approach that prioritises sustainability, equity and compassion. Candidates must be aged 18 or over, and there are no academic or professional requirements, nor any restrictions on gender or nationality — anyone, anywhere, can apply for a Rolex Award. Laureates represents 51 nationalities and carry out projects in 65 countries, giving the programme a global reach.
Men and women of good conscience are essential agents of change because they possess the ethical compass to navigate the complexities of our modern world with integrity and empathy. Their commitment to justice compels them to confront environmental degradation and communal inequities head-on, advocating for policies and practices that promote harmony between humanity and nature. Laureates are pioneers and guardians of the planet who have the potential to reinvent the future. The new Laureates can be expected to continue this pioneering tradition and to demonstrate Rolex’s fundamental belief in always pushing the boundaries.
Whether it be scientists pioneering sustainable technologies, educators empowering future generations, or policymakers enacting bold reforms, individuals with diverse skills and capacities play pivotal roles in shaping a more just and sustainable world.
Meet the 2023 Rolex Laureates
The 2023 Laureates of the Rolex Awards for Enterprise are five pioneers whose ambitious projects will help to improve lives while protecting the planet for future generations, from providing clean water in Kenya to protecting the mountainous forests of the Andes. Selected by a panel of 10 world-renowned experts and leaders, the Laureates will receive funding and publicity to expand and develop their projects.
Constantino Aucca Chutas
The indigenous Peruvian biologist will be scaling up his community-centred forest ecosystem restoration and protection programme in the high Andes.
Beth Koigi
The young Kenyan social entrepreneur will be providing solar-powered condensation technology to 3,000 people in 10 communities in need of clean water resources.
Inza Koné
The Ivorian conservationist will be protecting a richly biodiverse forest in Côte d’Ivoire while safeguarding its endangered fauna and reducing poverty in the area.
Denica Riadini-Flesch
The Indonesian development economist will be expanding one of the world’s first regenerative farm-to-closet fashion supply chains, strengthening women’s empowerment and preserving local Indonesian cultures.
Liu Shaochuang
The Chinese aerospace scientist will be studying wild camels’ habitats in view of creating two new conservation reserves to save the last remaining wild herds.
For nearly a century, Rolex has supported stewards of the planet pushing back the boundaries of human endeavour. The company has moved from championing exploration for the sake of discovery to protecting the planet, committing for the long term to support individuals and organisations using science to understand and devise solutions to today’s social and environmental challenges. AM
