Every year, the UN SDG Action Awards spotlight the Heroes of Tomorrow—changemakers transforming hope into action for a more sustainable and just world.
Among them is Central Única das Favelas (CUFA), the 2025 UN SDG Action Awards Resilience winner. Born in Brazil’s favelas and now active in every Brazilian state and 60+ countries, UN SDG Action Awards Resilience winner CUFA is transforming systemic inequality into opportunity through education, culture, sports, entrepreneurship, and citizenship—proving that resilience grows strongest at the grassroots.
Turning Setbacks into Strength
Resilience in Communities
CUFA’s reach is vast—engaging millions each year through 5,000+ community projects, creating thousands of jobs, and elevating local leaders to global stages. It has become a bridge between marginalized communities and the world, positioning the favela not as a place of lack, but as a hub of talent, creativity, and innovation. Today, CUFA is present in 72 countries, which represents a significant milestone in our work to fight poverty, promote equality, and strengthen communities around the world.
A Blueprint for Community-Led Change
CUFA invites governments, donors, and changemakers to invest in models that put communities in the driver’s seat of their own development. Every school built, every youth trained, and every entrepreneur funded brings us closer to a world where no one is left behind.
From mobilizing crisis relief to shaping global policy, CUFA is proving that resilience is not just about surviving—it’s about showing that everyone has the right to thrive.
“We work to give more opportunities to the kids, to the entrepreneurs, and to women. We want a world where we can live without inequality and without poverty.”
— Marcus Vinícius Athayde, President, CUFA at the Heroes of Tomorrow: UN SDG Action Awards Ceremony
