Project Management Institute reveals 2024's Most Influential Projects
The Project Management Institute (PMI) has unveiled its 2024 Most Influential Projects list, which features 20 initiatives from around the world that have made strides toward the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Among the highlighted initiatives is the Virtual Irrigation Academy (VIA) from Australia.
VIA is recognised for its work in improving irrigation governance and water resource usage. By using sensor technology, VIA empowers small farmers to enhance their water management skills, thereby increasing crop yields and reducing water usage significantly. The initiative includes a seven-module course and a series of short documentary videos that take participants through a year in the life of a farmer who utilises their technology.
The list of Most Influential Projects addresses various global challenges, from climate action and food insecurity to gender inequality and education.
According to PMI, projects with social benefits are more likely to be deemed successful. The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024 indicates that only 17% of SDG targets are on track, with nearly half showing minimal or moderate progress.
This underscores the importance of innovative and effective projects to meet these global objectives.
Pierre Le Manh, PMP, President and CEO of PMI, stated, "This year's Most Influential Projects are strong examples of the important work needed to address our world's most pressing challenges, from rising ocean temperatures and food insecurity to gender inequality and inadequate education. We celebrate these projects and the passionate individuals leading them because they are dedicated to creating a better human existence for all."
"They exemplify the power of effective project management and its ability to lead transformation, drive meaningful change and elevate the world around us."
The recognised projects span various sectors, including education, climate action, architecture, technology, and healthcare. They implement comprehensive solutions and approaches to rethink existing frameworks rather than applying superficial fixes. These projects critically assess their performance to develop replicable best practices that can create exponential positive change.
The Top 20 Most Influential Projects include:
1. 1 Billion Tree Project, Government of Mongolia in collaboration with private enterprise (Asia Pacific)
2. 3D Kidney Printing, Trestle Biotherapeutics (North America)
3. Africa's Largest Kitchen, Food4Education (Sub-Saharan Africa)
4. Blue Natural Capital, OCN.AI (Global)
5. Digital Security Training, Freedom of the Press Foundation (Global)
6. Disappearing Packaging, Notpla, Ltd. (Latin America)
7. Energy Subscription Program, Beyond The Grid Fund for Africa (Sub-Saharan Africa)
8. Escuelas de Lluvia, Isla Urbana (Latin America)
9. Irrigation Monitoring Sensors, Virtual Irrigation Academy (Global)
10. Jardin de Mels, State Secretariat for Sustainable Development (Sedest), and the Water and Land Institute (Latin America)
11. LATAM Accelerator Cohort, Inter-American Development Bank and Toilet Board Coalition (Latin America)
12. Life-changing Cash Transfers, GiveDirectly (Sub-Saharan Africa)
13. National STEM Festival, EXPLR and U.S. Department of Education (North America)
14. NESsT Refugee Employment Initiative, IKEA (Global)
15. Requiem in Power, City of Valencia, Spain (Europe)
16. Sana Jardin Women's Cooperative, Sana Jardin Perfumes (MENA)
17. The Pad Project Partnership Program, The Pad Project (Global)
18. UNHCR Sports Partnership, Fundación Barça and UN's High Commission on Refugees (Europe)
19. Vietnam Home-to-School Travel Safety Program, International Road Assessment Programme (APAC)
20. Wolbachia Mosquitoes Release Program, World Mosquito Program (Global)
The projects identified as 'Global' have positively impacted two or more regions, demonstrating broad and replicable success.
This year's list continues to exemplify the significant role that effective project management and dedicated teams play in addressing some of the world's most critical challenges.
