The governing body were named as the winners in this year’s "International Federation of the Year Award" category.

This year’s award sought to recognise the most innovative sporting initiative in the field of transparency and integrity.

Key to the BWF’s success was their unique voting system, which they believe provides an objective and transparent method to determine the voting strength of member associations.

Adopted in 2012, each member is rewarded for their engagement in international badminton and their contributions towards the development of the sport globally.

The greater a federation participates, invests and engages with international badminton, the greater opportunity they have to influence the direction the sport takes via voting.

Hosting of the BWF World Superseries Finals, for instance, would see a country be electorally rewarded for their engagement.

The tournament is set to take place for the third consecutive year here in Dubai, with competition taking place from December 14 to 18.

"[The award] will spur us in BWF to continue stretching our imagination and creativity as we seek not only to enhance our sport and the global badminton environment, but also to contribute to the international sporting landscape in any way possible," said Poul-Erik Høyer, BWF President.

"We are pleased with how our voting system has evolved and the manner in which it has been embraced by our membership as well as by others in the sporting fraternity.

"This award is further validation of its merit."

The submissions for the award were examined by a group of referees appointed by the award’s Board of Trustees, with Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) members allowed to submit one entry each.

Established by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Emir of Dubai, the award seeks to celebrate and encourage initiatives, projects and programmes that demonstrate outstanding creativity and contribute to the enrichment of sport.

The winning International Federation receives a $250,000 (£198,000/€236,000) prize, which will be used for development activities.

"Congratulations to BWF for winning this prestigious award,” said Francesco Ricci Bitti, ASOIF President.

"The system they have implemented creates incentives for National Associations to become more active and, at the same time, increases objectivity and transparency.

"Promoting better governance across all sports is at the top of ASOIF’s agenda and we express our gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum for recognising the valuable activities of sports federations in this way."

The winners will be honoured at a special function on January 9, which will include the British Paralympic Association, who earned the International Paralympic Federation of the Year Award.