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WHO WE ARE Since 2008, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has been empowering global changemakers, recognising their innovative sustainability solutions and amplifying their transformative impact. MEET OUR WINNERS HEALTH doctorShare, Indonesia View More FOOD Gaza Urban & Peri-urban Agricultural Platform (GUPAP), Palestine View More ENERGY Ignite Power, Rwanda View More WATER Eau et Vie, France View More CLIMATE ACTION Kelp Blue, Namibia View More GLOBAL HIGH SCHOOLS Discover our high school Winners View More View All OUR IMPACT Through our 117 winners, we have transformed the lives of 384 million people, and counting. 0 BILLION Tonnes of CO₂ reduced 0 MILLION People gained access to safe drinking water 0 MILLION People gained access to nutritious food 0 Jobs have been created 0 People gained access to affordable healthcare 0 Community members benefitting from
high school projects MEET OUR JURY H.E. OLAFUR
RAGNAR GRIMSSON Former President of the Republic of Iceland
Chairs, Zayed Sustainability Prize Jury View More H.E. DR. THANI BIN
AHMED AL ZEYOUDI UAE Cabinet Member Minister of State for Foreign Trade View More DR. ANDREAS JACOBS Chairman, INSEAD View More H.E. Mariam Al Mheiri Head of the International Affairs Office
at the Presidential Court View More View All TIMELINE Stay updated on the current Prize cycle. Submissions
Open December Submissions
Close June Present Shortlist
Submissions September Announce
Finalists October Announce
Winners January OUR LATEST NEWS 15 July 2024 Zayed Sustainability Prize Demonstrates Global Reach and Impact with over 5,900 Submissions US $5.9 million Prize attracts submissions from 156 countries High number of entries leverage advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain to address pressing sustainability challenges Since 2008, the Prize has transformed the lives of over 384 million people 15 July 2024, Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE's pioneering global award for sustainability and humanitarianism, has officially closed entries for its 2025 awards cycle. A total of 5,980 applications were received across the six Prize categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools, from 156 countries. The Zayed Sustainability Prize winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony, which will be held on 14 January 2025 as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. This year’s Prize has seen a notable 15% increase in submissions over the previous year from small and medium enterprises (SMEs), nonprofit organisations, and high schools. Close analysis of the submissions reveals a prevailing trend across all categories: a significant number of solutions are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI), big data, blockchain, 3D printing, and biotechnology applications, revealing the importance of technological innovation in driving progress towards sustainability. H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, and COP28 President, said “For the last 16 years, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has supported innovative solutions that address pressing global challenges and deliver tangible impact to communities around the world. Inspired by Sheikh Zayed’s commitment to humanitarianism and people focused, inclusive sustainable development, the Prize has transformed the lives of over 384 million people.” “We are deeply encouraged by the record number of applications we have received from every continent. This overwhelming response, particularly from young people and organisations in the Global South, reinforces our belief that innovations harnessing cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, coupled with community-driven approaches, are key to effectively addressing climate change and driving social and environmental progress,” he added. This year’s submissions were more varied than ever, highlighting the universal impact of climate change on nations across all continents. Most of the submissions came from emerging markets, revealing that rapidly developing countries are at the forefront of catalysing local, innovative solutions to address the sustainability gap. The top submitting countries included Brazil, India, Kenya, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. This year, the Prize accepted submissions in multiple languages, including Arabic, English, French, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish, promoting inclusivity, ensuring broader participation, and allowing diverse perspectives from different regions and cultures to be represented. The Food (1,255) and Climate Action (1,532) categories attracted the greatest number of submissions, followed by Health (997), Global High Schools (906), Energy (669) and Water (621). In the Food category, which received twice as many submissions compared to last year, the entries respond to challenges related to sustainable food production through innovations like agricultural technology (Agtech) for food system resilience.   Submissions addressing deforestation and rising carbon emissions dominated the Climate Action category, with organisations leading efforts in soil restoration, biodiversity enhancement, and sustainable resource use, fostering environmental sustainability.   SMEs and NPOs in the Health category predominantly focus on enhancing access to healthcare and disease prevention through solutions that leverage innovative technologies, community-driven programmes, and partnerships to bridge gaps in medical services, especially in underserved regions.   In the Energy category, the Prize received numerous entries from organisations dedicated to expanding sustainable energy access in vulnerable communities. While submissions featuring emerging technologies like hydrogen fuel systems, energy storage solutions and electric mobility, all critical for the global energy transition, also increased significantly.   Finally, in the Water category, many entries concentrate on enhancing water accessibility through innovative solutions that emphasise water conservation, advanced recycling techniques, filtration processes, and comprehensive treatment systems to ensure clean water resources for all.   The number of submissions from high schools has more than doubled compared to the previous year, signalling a significant increase in youth involvement and dedication to sustainable practices. In the Global High Schools category, the proposals included sustainable food production methods such as hydroponics and aquaponics, effective recycling and waste management strategies, the use of bioenergy, and the creation of bioproducts. Following the close of submissions, the Prize now enters the evaluation stage. All entries will be shortlisted by an independent research and analysis consultancy. A Selection Committee comprised of globally renowned industry experts will then assess the qualified entries and shortlist the candidates. The third and final tier of the evaluation process is the Jury, which will convene in October to unanimously elect the winners in each category. Since its launch in 2008, the US $5.9 million Prize has transformed the lives of over 384 million people around the world. Its global impact continues to grow, as it accelerates sustainable development and humanitarian progress. Each winner in the Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action categories receive US $1 million to expand the scope and scale of their sustainability solution(s), while the Global High Schools category has six winners, representing six world regions, with each winner receiving up to US $150,000.         Read More 24 June 2024 From Polar Explorer to Environmental Advocate: A Young Australian's Journey to Motivate Climate Action By Jade Hameister OAM As the cold, crisp Antarctic air pierced my lungs and the pristine white unexplored landscape stretched infinitely in all directions, I felt a deep sense of both awe and responsibility, that remains with me to this day.   At 16 years old, I was privileged to become the youngest person to ski from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole, unsupported and unassisted – and only the second woman in history to set a new route to the Pole. It was also the completion for me of the Polar Hat-Trick, which included the 550km crossing of the Greenland ice sheet (aged 15) and skiing to the North Pole (aged 14).   These incredible journeys not only tested my physical and mental endurance, but also forever shaped my perspective on the world's most pressing issue – global warming.   My name is Jade Hameister, and my story is one of adventure, exploration and transformation from a polar explorer to a dedicated environmental advocate. But this is not about me; it's a call to action – a rallying cry for the youth of today to become the changemakers of tomorrow.   My first-hand experiences in Earth’s polar regions have fixed the beauty and fragility of our planet deep into my heart.   With each expedition, I couldn't help but notice the profound changes unfolding in these once-pristine and untouched landscapes. The ice is receding, glaciers are retreating, and the very essence of the Arctic and Antarctic is under threat.   This stark transformation was accompanied by a sobering realization: climate change was no longer an abstract concept but a blunt, undeniable reality for me. It was a certainty evidenced in the landscape and underscored by unsettling statistics. The Arctic Sea ice, a symbol of resilience, has dwindled by 40% since the 1970s. The Greenland ice sheet, a titan of frozen history, is shedding an astonishing 270 billion tonnes each year. Meanwhile, the Antarctic ice sheet, a continent of majestic significance, is losing a staggering 150 billion tonnes annually.   …and all of Earth’s natural systems – on which we as a species rely on for our very survival – are linked and interdependent with our polar regions.   These staggering facts drove me to advocate for action. My expeditions now had a new purpose: to shed light on the urgent need for climate action and empower young people to join the fight.   I didn't need to be a scientist or even an adult to have an impact, and neither do you.   Many young people hesitate to get involved, fearing their inexperience doesn’t justify them speaking up or believing in the power of their voice. This couldn't be further from the truth. The energy, creativity, and determination of youth are powerful assets in tackling climate change. Fresh perspectives and untamed spirits lead to innovative solutions.   Every day offers the chance for young people to inspire change and call for global unity, recognising the urgency of the climate crisis and our individual power to make a difference. The Zayed Sustainability Prize, which I deeply admire, will soon announce its latest cohort of winners, including six student-led projects from high schools across the globe. By recognising and rewarding innovative solutions, the Prize inspires countless young individuals to become agents of change.   Now more than ever, the world needs the unwavering spirit of young people, their drive for change, and their commitment to a sustainable future. My journey has taught me that taking action, no matter how small, can have a profound impact. All we need is the courage to take the first step.   The challenge remains significant, and time is running out. The call to action is clear: the youth of today must be the torchbearers of climate action, the driving force behind the change we so urgently need. Let us not shy away from our responsibility; instead, let's seize the day with courage and resilience to ensure that the beauty and wonder of our planet's polar regions remain a source of inspiration for generations to come.  Read More 01 March 2024 From Insight to Action: My Transformative Experience at the World Environmental Education Congress Imagine stepping into a realm where every conversation, every session, ignites a spark within you. This was my reality at the World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC), it is the world’s largest gathering of environmental educators, leaders, advocates, and even students to forge a sustainable future through the power of education. “Connecting People, Creating Tomorrow” was not just a theme, it was an invitation to embark on a life-long journey of sustainability. It challenged us to make a collaborative effort on finding ways to achieve a more sustainable world. We can learn from one another. We may have different approaches to solve the problem, but what matters most is that we’re solving it together for the better.  Among the mosaic of sessions, the keynote speech captivated me. The speaker, Razan Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, empowered the minds of the youth to foster a culture of sustainability. Powerfully, she emphasised that knowledge alone is not enough to solve environmental problems but also the dedication and willingness to protect the environment.  The speech painted a vision where education transcends knowledge dissemination to become a catalyst for empathy, action, and innovation. This wasn't just a speech; it was a call to action for the next generation, which has not only the knowledge but also the heart to protect our planet.  But what made WEEC truly unforgettable were the connections forged in the spaces between. Over steaming cups of coffee, we shared stories, empowering youth with our journey to winning the Zayed Sustainability Prize. In our sessions, we united in the conviction that together, we can overcome environmental challenges worldwide. Leaving the congress, I felt hopeful and determined. The Congress marked a pivotal moment for me, transforming my perspective on our environment. It made me realise that those of us who care about the planet need to lead by example, showing both knowledge and compassion in our efforts.  I owe a debt of gratitude to the Zayed Sustainability Prize for this life-changing journey. I am keen to share the valuable insights acquired at WEEC, just as I have done here. Let's apply these lessons in our communities and classrooms to drive meaningful change. Together, we can forge a future of collective action, living in harmony with nature.   Read More 24 January 2024 Nkhata Bay's Solar Triumph 2014 Zayed Sustainability Prize Winners in the Global High Schools category, Sub-Saharan Africa   By Principal George Kulaso   Our school, the Nkhata Bay Authority in Malawi, was the winner of the Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Global High Schools (Sub-Saharan Africa region). This was an honour not just for our school, but indeed for our entire community.    Last December, our school's delegation had the honour of attending the Prize Awards Ceremony at COP28 UAE. Joyce Mhango and Mary Zayed had the distinct privilege of highlighting the transformative impact that the Prize has had on our entire community. I then joined them in thanking the UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his support.   We shared the profound impact winning the Prize had on our community. A testament to this was Joyce's story of how Mary received her name in honour of Sheikh Zayed, being one of the first babies born in a well-lit health clinic, a direct benefit of our Prize victory.   For some context as to why this meant so much to us, Malawi is one of the least electrified countries in the world with only 5 percent of rural communities having access to power and electricity.   Winning the Prize enabled us to build the Zayed Solar Academy – the very first solar academy in Malawi targeting rural youth and women.   The Zayed Solar Academy initiated the formation of a solar curriculum in collaboration with the Malawi government. We are now a national college specialising in solar PV technologies, recruiting youth around the country.    We are working towards becoming a centre for excellence for solar technologies and research.    Thank you, Sheikh Zayed.   Read More View All
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