Hero Awards Unleashes AI-Powered Protocol to Tackle UN Global Goals

The Hero Awards, an organization that has recognized individuals and teams driving progress toward the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) since 2019, has launched an innovative new initiative to democratize global problem-solving. Led by key figures like CIO John Toomey, Education Director Amy Chang, and Sustainability Director Savithri Patel, the organization has created a guided, seven-step workflow designed for "everyday changemakers" with just two to three hours to spare. This protocol leverages the complementary strengths of seven top AI systems—including Meta.ai, Claude.ai, Copilot.microsoft.com, Gemini.google.com, Perplexity.ai, Deepseek.com, and ChatGPT—to translate each of the UN's 169 specific SDG targets into credible, practical action plans. By sequentially passing a single target through this AI chain, the system produces robust, continuously evolving solutions that blend human judgment with artificial intelligence to minimize hallucinations and maximize real-world applicability.

The outputs of this process are substantial and multifaceted. Participants create a GPT listed on OpenAI's GPT store, a continuously refreshed Innovation Engine built with Google's NotebookLM, and, starting in 2026, a collaboration tool based in Microsoft Loop. Completed solutions are archived on The Hero Awards' Academia.edu page for public study and reuse, while winners gain recognition across the organization's social channels and the unique privilege of conferring the honor on others. The initiative is already showing measurable impact: a 2022 pilot project revealed that for every 100 completed procedures, 29 participants gained traditional media traction, 14 were quoted in academic or professional journals, 7 started an NGO, and 5 founded a startup. Notably, Substack creators have emerged as a significant source of new participants in 2025, highlighting the program's appeal to engaged content creators.

Beyond the tangible deliverables, The Hero Awards emphasizes the profound skill development participants undergo. As Savithri Patel notes, each AI model has its own "personality" and strengths, so iterating across all seven accelerates users' analytical and creative abilities. The organization frames this as a way to "Be the Singularity"—epitomizing the moment when AI begins to outperform human intelligence for the greater good. With resources available at theheroaward.net, Theheroaward.substack.com, and their LinkedIn group, the initiative aims to make planetary stewardship and human flourishing accessible, enjoyable, and personally meaningful. As Amy Chang summarizes, it helps people develop a global mindset where change feels both achievable and deeply rewarding.