NEWS Stay up to date with our latest news 01 August 2024 Hydroponics Pioneers: Fiji's Youth Leading the Way By Zuned Zibran Ali, student at Kamil Muslim College in Fiji, 2023 Global High Schools winner The Prize-winning project at Kamil Muslim College marks a major step forward in our sustainability journey. It has begun transforming not only our school but also the lives and livelihoods of the people of Valele, Ba. Our fully equipped indoor and outdoor hydroponics systems have made our college a self-sustaining institution in Fiji. Hydroponics is a sustainable agriculture method that uses significantly less water and land compared to traditional farming. The hydroponics systems serve as a practical educational tool, providing students with hands-on experience in innovative agricultural techniques. This enhances their understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects and inspires them to pursue careers in these fields. By providing a minimum of 50 dozen fresh vegetables yearly to our school canteen, our hydroponics system ensures healthier meals for our students and serves as a beacon of innovation and sustainable practices for our community. The project promotes sustainable agriculture practices and contributes to food security, while creating opportunities for community members to learn about hydroponics and potentially adopt this method in their own gardens. This expands the impact of our initiative beyond the school. By working together and thinking creatively, we can develop solutions that protect our planet and improve the quality of life for all. Let's commit to a sustainable future, where each action we take today contributes to a greener, healthier, and more resilient world for generations to come. Read More 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 05 July 2024 The right room at the right time From Prize to Partnership: How COP28 Catalysed a Game-Changing Corn Revolution for Africa  For the past 14 years, I've been on a mission to tackle one of the world’s deadliest causes of malnutrition and childhood death: corn. Corn is everywhere in Africa and Mesoamerica. It’s productive, easy to grow, and normally the cheapest food. It’s been the staple in both regions for centuries and millennia. Today it feeds 1.2 billion people. Unfortunately, corn doesn’t have the nutrients that children need. Malnutrition is responsible for 45% of childhood deaths, and corn is one of the world’s biggest contributors. Here, corn’s popularity becomes a massive problem. What do you do when more nutritious foods are far more expensive or difficult to grow? How do you ask people to give up hundreds or thousands of years of culture? In Guatemala, we decided we should just make corn better. We found corn seeds that naturally had more iron, zinc, and protein and crossed them with seeds that gave farmers the yield and climate resilience they most want. We partnered with local seed companies and cooperatives to get those seeds to farmers at prices they could afford. In 2023, 24,000 farmers used our seed, nourishing nearly a million people in a country with the fourth highest rate of chronic malnutrition. With the model working, our goal is to get to 3 million farmers, nourishing 100 million people. The path to that goal opened for us in a massive way in December 2023, in the UAE. We had been selected as one of 15 finalists for the Zayed Sustainability Prize. The ceremony was held during COP28, and it was a huge stroke of luck that the world’s most important climate conference just happened to be in the UAE that year. For most of us, it was our first time going to a COP, and the team at the Prize helped us make the absolute most of it. They gave us host country badges, which let us into some of the most exclusive areas and events. They promoted our work relentlessly. We rubbed shoulders with Nobel Prize winners and diplomats. We were asked to stay for the first few days of COP, but after a chance meeting, I changed my flight to stay for the whole thing. The first opened our path to Africa. An NGO called One Acre Fund serves over 3 million corn farmers there. They are the biggest and best organisation in our space. Just like us, they struggle to get corn farmers to eat a more nutritious diet, but we’d never had a chance to meet all the right people at the same time. At COP, all the right people, working in maize seeds, innovation and fundraising, were all there at the same time. We quickly saw the potential of working together and began to meet almost every day. The match was perfect. One Acre Fund is taking leadership in developing new corn seeds in Eastern Africa and helping them get to farmers. We have a tried-and-true method to take great new seeds and make them nutritious. We sketched out a plan. They send their best new seeds to Guatemala. We make them nutritious and send them back. They begin to promote the new nutritious versions of their seeds. With just a few extra efforts from both parties, we can pave the way to reach three million farmers, ultimately providing food for over 100 million people. If we both grow, the solution could reach over half a billion. What began at COP has gained momentum, culminating in the signing of a long-term collaboration agreement by May 2024.One Acre Fund is currently mailing us their best seeds while we expand our research farm in Guatemala to hand this new project. Sometimes, collaboration feels like an uphill battle, but occasionally, everything falls into place seamlessly. We're immensely grateful to the Zayed Sustainability Prize team for placing us in the perfect setting, with the right people, at the right time. As our partnership blossoms, we're thrilled to keep you updated on our journey! 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 04 June 2024 Climate Diplomacy: Uniting nations and people for a better world In 2015, I found myself in a room with former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, among 40 youth leaders I was mentoring from G7 and Global South countries at the J7 summit in Berlin. Our deliberations led to a position paper that was later presented to the heads of states at the G7 summit that same year. This experience marked the beginning of a journey that has seen our group of young leaders, now spanning over 30 countries, stay connected and collaborate on multiple initiatives, cross pollinate ideas, and share resources.   What started in Berlin epitomised global diplomacy, which at its core is about service, wisdom, consensus building, and sometimes compromise. Our history and very existence has been shaped by diplomacy. Culture, education, climate, human rights, health, technology, and disease prevention are all shaped by diplomacy. Today, the role of climate diplomacy has never been more urgent, fundamentally because no country is immune from the effects of climate change, and no country can solve the climate crisis alone.   The current global challenges, such as the climate crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, highlight our interconnectedness as a global community. We are not only connected to each other but also to ecosystems and all living things around us. Interconnectedness, inclusion, and interdependence, also underscore the critical role of the private sector in reversing the climate crisis. Recently, more than 2,200 businesses worldwide joined the Science-based Targets Initiative, committing to emissions reduction targets aligned with achieving Net Zero by 2050.   Meanwhile, today’s millions of young people are making a significant impact in their respective fields of climate diplomacy. From women-led climate venture funds such as Kinjani in South Africa, to our current impact start-up where we are educating thousands of African high school students in STEAM and climate courses using an AI powered online learning platform, the wind of change is moving so fast, pollinating multiple solutions for climate action. These and many more cases exemplify how a coalition of young global citizens, supported by global leaders, can build an intergenerational network of global citizens and innovators capable of joining hands to reverse the changing climate.   At a global level, we are witnessing the UN process increasingly serving as a platform for brokering action-oriented coalitions. This shift recognises that while formal decision-making authority remains with sovereign states, many other actors, including private sector, cities, and civil society, are driving national and global climate action and emissions reductions.   In my recent BBC conversation with UN head, Antonio Guterres, we shared a common conclusion that climate change doesn’t discriminate or affect only one country or region. It’s a global issue that affects us all, however, we must recognise how countries that are least contributors to climate change are being impacted disproportionately. This is evident judging by the current torrential floods in Kenya, and the unprecedented drought in Zambia, leaving 1 million hectares of maize destroyed, almost half of the country’s maize cultivation. This might sound like a mere statistic to many, but my parents live in Zambia. They survive through maize cultivation, and we are talking about a continent where agriculture produces around one-third of the continent’s total GDP.   Everywhere I go I see hope and determination in the eyes of people. Whether I am chatting with President Obama at his private office in Washington DC or onboarding students to our edtech platform at a rural high school in Zambia. Human beings are determined to build a better future for themselves and the planet. Therefore, as we navigate the complex challenges of the 21st century, climate diplomacy cannot be achieved in the absence of an engaged youth constituency. Engaging youth in climate diplomacy means financing their work and respecting their voices in decision-making processes. By harnessing the power of young people and fostering collaboration between generations, we can build a more transformational and equitable world, especially as the world looks to the UN Summit of the Future in September 2024.   By Brighton Kaoma Founder of Amano So and Co-CEO at DodoSchool, an AI powered edtech platform for high school students in Africa. He served as global youth director at UN SDSN in New York. Brighton attended Columbia University and was awarded by both Queen Elizabeth II and Barack Obama for championing climate action through low-cost technologies. Read More 04 June 2024 The Prize is on the Road The Prize team and its partners have embarked on an exciting journey spanning several continents that included visits to Azerbaijan, Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Georgia, Morocco, Senegal, South Korea and Turkey. From fruitful discussions to promising collaborations, each leg of the outreach efforts has been marked by meaningful engagement and shared commitment to sustainability.   Empowering Communities through Innovation in Brazil and Costa Rica   The outreach trip kicked off in Latin America, where the team met with key stakeholders and fostered partnerships across Costa Rica and Brazil. During their trip, the team announced the deployment of AI-powered mammography services in Costa Rica as part of the Beyond2020 initiative- a UAE-led humanitarian initiative, funded by global partners, that offers critical, life-transforming solutions beneficiaries worldwide.   Networking events, such as the gathering at the residence of Her Excellency Rawdha Alotaiba, UAE Ambassador to Costa Rica, provided a platform to share insights and promote the Prize among key stakeholders. Meetings with government officials, including Minister Víctor Carvajal Porras and Minister Francisco Gamboa, highlighted opportunities for collaboration in sustainable agriculture and economic growth.   In Brazil, discussions with organisations like the Agriculture Secretariat, Invest Sao Paulo and SEMIL explored avenues for knowledge sharing and capacity-building initiatives in environmental policies and sustainable food systems. The engagement underscored the importance of collaboration in driving sustainable development.   Pioneering Innovation for a Greener Future in China and South Korea   The journey continued in Asia, with impactful outreach efforts in China and South Korea. Meetings with government ministries, including the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the Ministry of Science and Technology in China, emphasised the Prize's role in promoting international sustainable development and fostering innovation. Collaborative discussions explored opportunities for joint events and activities to address environmental challenges.   In South Korea, engagements with organisations like the Climate Change Center and the Global Green Growth Institute showcased the Prize's commitment to climate focused discussions. The discussions highlighted the potential for collaboration in advancing sustainable agriculture and climate action.   Cultivating Sustainability Champions in Senegal and Morocco   In Africa, the Prize’s outreach partners conducted two successful roadshows in Senegal and Morocco, engaging with diverse stakeholders and promoting the Prize's mission. The events attracted high levels of participation from businesses, nonprofits and government representatives, reflecting a growing interest in sustainability. Promising discussions and testimonials highlighted the Prize's appeal and the potential for impactful projects in the region.   Building Bridges for Sustainable Development in Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan   The journey culminated in Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan, where the team facilitated productive engagements with ministries, educational institutions and small and medium sized enterprises networks. Discussions focused on promoting sustainable food systems, addressing water security challenges, and advancing climate action initiatives. The roadshows emphasised the importance of collaboration in driving meaningful change and fostering innovation.   As the Prize team concludes its global journey, the shared commitment to environmentally responsible growth and the exchange of ideas continue to inspire collective action. It’s not too late for you to become a part of the Prize community, submit your sustainable innovations no later than 23 June 2024 on the Prize’s submissions portal. Read More Load More INSPIRATION DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Get all the latest updates from the Zayed Sustainability Prize and learn about the impact our finalists, winners and partners are making globally.

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