Global River Champions Satellite Event

Date: Thursday 13 November, 7 – 8:30 am AEST (Brisbane Time)

Satellite Event

Global River Champions: Inspiring the River Revolution Around the World

The Global River Champions satellite event will showcase the work of the 2025 Thiess International River Prize winner and finalists.

The River Prize is the world’s most prestigious environmental award. It has become a global benchmark for excellence in river restoration and management. Since 1999, it has honoured the dedication, innovation, and creativity of individuals and communities working tirelessly to protect and restore one of our planet’s most vital natural resources — our rivers.

In 2025, we recognised four outstanding finalists for their exceptional contributions. These were the Chicago River (USA), Cumbria Rivers (UK), Klamath River (USA) and Vjosa River (Albania). The Chicago River was awarded the 2025 River Prize in recognition of more than four decades of commitment. The project revitalised the 156-mile Chicago River system through community engagement, policy advocacy, habitat restoration, and urban transformation.

Beyond recognising excellence, the River Prize amplifies the global importance of river restoration. It celebrates the practitioners, innovators, and communities who are driving resilience, biodiversity, and well-being across the world’s river systems.

This Satellite Event will showcase the work undertaken by the 2025 River Prize winner and finalists. 

The Global River Champions satellite event is proudly sponsored by AmaWaterways.