March 24, 2009, Washington, D.C. - The World Environment Center (WEC) is inviting nominations for the 26th WEC Gold Medal for International Corporate Achievement in Sustainable Development.

The WEC Gold Medal Award is the most prestigious recognition of a global company's ongoing commitment to the field of sustainable development. Global corporations that can document innovative, well designed and implemented, and sustained contributions are eligible to participate. A potential applicant company must demonstrate global vision and a commitment to sustainable development through innovative application of policies, and international economic, environmental, and social solutions. An independent Jury of international leaders selects the Gold Medal awardee.

Nominations of eligible corporations must reach the WEC Gold Medal Secretariat, no later than Friday, June 1, 2009. Self-nominations are welcome. Nominations may be submitted through the online form at http://www.wec.org/programs-initiatives/gold-medal/2010-wec-gold-medal-nomination-form/

The recipient of the 2009 Gold Medal Award is The Coca-Cola Company. The Gold Medal Award Presentation & Celebration will be held on May 8, 2009 at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC.

Previous recent recipients of the WEC Gold Medal Award are: Marks & Spencer (2008), Alcan (2007), ABN AMRO Bank (2006), Starbucks (2005), Johnson Controls Inc. (2004), Ricoh Group Ltd. (2003), CEMEX (2002), and The Royal Dutch/Shell Group (2001).

About the World Environment Center WEC is an independent, non-profit, non-advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. Working with the private sector, international organizations, government agencies, academia and non-government organizations it advances sustainable development around the world through direct, on-the-ground initiatives and projects that improve environment, health and safety, the efficient use of natural resources and business operations.