Most recognition programmes run on nominations, and most people wait to be nominated by someone who never gets around to it. Understanding that these lists are assembled from submissions rather than discovered by researchers changes what you do about them: you either put your own name forward where that is permitted, or you ask someone to do it and make it easy for them.
Programmes of this kind operate on a straightforward premise, that visible role models change what the next person believes is possible, and several now run across multiple countries with local partners.
Nominations are a process, not a discovery
An open call means a panel assesses who was submitted. Excellent candidates are omitted every year simply because nobody entered them. If you know someone who deserves recognition, the useful action is nominating them rather than assuming the organisers already know.
Make it easy for whoever nominates you
A nominator needs specifics: what you built, what it achieved, in numbers, and why it matters. Sending that to someone willing to nominate you takes fifteen minutes and dramatically improves the submission. Expecting a colleague to assemble it from memory produces a weak entry.
The visibility is the point, and it works on other people
The argument behind these programmes is that seeing someone in a role makes it credible to pursue. That effect operates on school leavers, on job applicants and on the people deciding who to promote. Participating is therefore a contribution to a recruitment pipeline as much as personal recognition.
Diplomatic and international partnerships bring reach
When a programme runs with an embassy or international partner, it comes with networks, funding and attention that a local initiative would struggle to assemble. For a participant, that means the recognition travels further than a domestic list, which matters for anyone looking to work or raise capital internationally.
Being listed is a starting point, not an outcome
Appearing on a list produces attention for a short period. Businesses that gain from it have something ready for the people who come looking: a clear description of what they do, a way to be contacted and something specific to discuss. Research on participation gaps these programmes respond to is published by the International Labour Organization.
Frequently asked questions
How do recognition lists get assembled?
From nominations submitted during an open call, which means strong candidates are omitted every year simply because nobody entered them.
What should you give a nominator?
Specifics: what you built, what it achieved in numbers, and why it matters. Fifteen minutes of preparation substantially improves the submission.
Who does the visibility actually affect?
School leavers, job applicants and people deciding on promotions, which makes participation a contribution to a recruitment pipeline.
Does an international partner make a difference?
Yes. It brings networks, funding and attention that extend the recognition beyond the local market.
What should you do once listed?
Have a clear description of what you do, a way to be contacted and something specific to discuss, since the attention is brief.
Further reading
Originally published in April 2017. Updated September 2026 into guidance on how recognition programmes work and how to be put forward, in place of a closed call for nominations.
