NEWS Stay up to date with our latest news 06 December 2024 Youth Driving Sustainability Globally Youth Driving Sustainability Globally   As climate challenges continue to rise, it is the bold and innovative minds of the next generation that are stepping up to create impactful solutions. Across the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and Central Asia, students are implementing forward-thinking sustainability projects that address critical environmental needs while benefiting their local communities.   In this feature, we highlight three remarkable finalists from the 2025 Global High Schools category. Their projects showcase how young leaders are using resourcefulness and creativity to shape a more sustainable future for their regions.   Middle East & North Africa Finalists   Benlarech School in Morocco aims to create a “Sustainable Oasis” project that will transform the school into a model of sustainability. By integrating solar panels, a recycling center, and an aquaponics system, the school will address energy consumption, waste management, and water conservation. Additionally, they plan to promote healthy living through nutrition classes and mental health gardens. The project seeks to foster a sustainable culture within the school and the surrounding Djelfa community.   Merryland International School in the United Arab Emirates has proposed a project that focuses on air quality by using carbon sponge bricks made from algae to absorb CO2 and release oxygen. This innovative solution aims to reduce the harmful effects of elevated CO2 levels in classrooms, which can affect health and productivity. Their goal is to install these bricks in classrooms, improving air quality for over 3,000 students and staff, and to inspire the wider community to adopt sustainable practices.   Obour STEM School in Egypt has developed a project that addresses water scarcity and poor soil conditions in rural farming communities. The students developed a bio-based hydrogel that improves soil water retention and reduces irrigation needs by 50%. This innovative solution helps farmers increase crop yields while conserving water and lowering costs. The project also includes educating local farmers on sustainable agriculture, benefiting over 1,500 people in the community and strengthening local food security.   Europe & Central Asia Finalists   Baku Modern School in Azerbaijan plans to implement a project that combines a solar powered microgrid with a smart water management system to support remote communities. By providing reliable renewable energy and improving water conservation, the school aims to address energy scarcity and water shortages in underserved areas. This hands-on project not only equips students with practical STEM skills but also fosters a commitment to sustainability. Through their involvement, students will contribute to a healthier environment and help inspire sustainable practices in the wider community.   TEV Inanc Turkes High School (TEVITOL) in Türkiye has proposed an innovative project focused on biodegradable plastics. Their “Future of Plastics” initiative will involve students in researching and developing biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics, aiming to reduce plastic waste’s harmful environmental impact. Additionally, they plan to deploy solar-powered robots to clean up microplastics, contributing to healthier ecosystems. This hands-on project will empower students to tackle pollution while raising community awareness about sustainable practices.   Presidential School in Uzbekistan plans to address water scarcity by installing rainwater collection and filtration systems in 150 schools. Using green sand filters and Granular Activated Carbon, the project will provide clean drinking water to 45,000 people in the Kashkadarya region. This sustainable system is designed to last for decades, ensuring long-term benefits for local communities while promoting environmental awareness through eco-committees.   These remarkable schools exemplify the Prize’s mission to empower young people with the tools and resources to lead their schools toward a sustainable future and to spark real, tangible change in their communities.   On 14 January 2025, the winners will be announced. Stay tuned to see which school projects take home the Prize. Read More 04 November 2024 Sparking Community Impact Globally As we enter a critical decade for climate action, the need for innovative solutions to global sustainability challenges has never been more urgent. Fortunately, the next generation of changemakers is stepping up, and nowhere is this more evident than in the inspiring projects of the Prize's 2025 Global High Schools finalists. These students from across the world are proving that no matter where you are, meaningful change is within reach.   In this feature, we spotlight three outstanding finalists from the following regions: The Americas and Sub-Saharan Africa, whose sustainability projects aim to create ripples of change in their communities and beyond.   The Americas Centro de Estudios Tecnológicos del Mar 07 in Mexico plans to champion marine science and sustainability on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Their aquaponics project combines fish farming with sustainable crop production to address food security while conserving marine resources. This innovative approach not only provides fresh food for the local community but also serves as an educational tool for students to learn about sustainable practices. The project aligns with the school’s mission to create a sustainable future for coastal communities, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to care for their environment. By expanding the project to neighbouring communities, the school aims to impact both health and local economies, showcasing the practical benefits of merging technology with environmental conservation.   Institución Educativa San Nicolás de Tolentino in Colombia hopes to build sources of renewable energy and bolster biodiversity conservation in Colombia. The school's project focuses on building solar-powered classrooms and promoting the preservation of local plant species. By incorporating solar energy into their infrastructure, they reduce dependency on non-renewable energy sources and lower operational costs. At the same time, their biodiversity project educates students on the importance of protecting local flora, helping to restore ecological balance. The school's holistic approach not only improves the learning environment but also empowers students to become advocates for sustainability, ensuring a greener future for their community.   Mulgrave School in Canada intends to set a new standard for environmental innovation with its project focused on using fungi to tackle polyurethane waste. The project involves growing Pestalotiopsis microspora, a type of fungi capable of breaking down plastic waste, in specially designed barrels. The initiative targets the reduction of polyurethane plastics, such as those found in sponges, shoe soles and other products, which typically accumulate in landfills. This plastic is converted into nutrient-rich compost, which will be used in a community garden to address local food insecurity. The project engages over 50 students across all age groups and has the potential to expand beyond the school to community centres and libraries. Mulgrave School is committed to creating a sustainable future, aligning with their mission to foster environmentally responsible global citizens.   Sub-Saharan Africa Finalists   Mpesa Foundation Academy in Kenya plans to transform sustainability in Kenya through an ambitious waste-to-energy project. Their biodigester system converts organic waste into renewable energy, addressing waste management challenges while providing clean energy for the school. This project will serve over 700 students and community members, reducing the academy’s reliance on traditional energy sources and promoting environmental conservation. Through hands-on involvement in the biodigester’s design and operation, students gain valuable skills and knowledge about renewable energy technologies, preparing them for careers in sustainability. The initiative aligns with the school’s mission to provide world-class education while creating a positive impact on both the environment and society.   Sakafia Islamic Senior High School in Ghana wishes to address food insecurity with an innovative aquaponics project. Combining fish farming with plant cultivation, this sustainable system provides a steady supply of food for the school and surrounding communities. The project reduces water use and enhances food production efficiency, making it a sustainable model for agriculture in resource-scarce environments. Students are not only learning modern farming techniques but also gaining the skills to address food security challenges in their communities. The school’s initiative has the potential to improve nutrition, generate income and promote environmental stewardship across the region.   St Kizito High School Namugongo in Uganda hopes to tackle sustainability with an innovative waste-to-resource project. The initiative focuses on converting food waste into useful products, including livestock feed, bio-fertilisers and briquettes for cooking. Using Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL), the project transforms food waste into nutrient-rich livestock feed, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative. Additionally, the school addresses water contamination and local health issues caused by improper waste disposal. By involving students and community youth in the process, the initiative creates green jobs and promotes environmental awareness. St. Kizito’s project provides practical solutions to local sustainability challenges, aligning with the school’s mission to equip young people with skills that promote environmental stewardship and economic empowerment. Through their efforts, the school hopes to set an example of how small communities can lead impactful sustainability efforts.   These remarkable schools exemplify the Prize’s mission to empower young people with the tools and resources to lead their communities toward a sustainable future and to spark real, tangible change in the communities. The winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on 14 January 2025. Read More 04 November 2024 Globhe and Kelp Blue at the Arctic Circle Assembly The Arctic Circle Assembly Arctic recently took place from 17-19 October 2024 in Reykjavik, Iceland. There, two Zayed Sustainability Prize winners, Globhe and Kelp Blue, showcased their innovative approaches to sustainability and climate action.   Napoleon Bergstrom, COO of Globhe—2020 winner in the Food category, introduced the audience to the world’s largest on-demand drone data marketplace. He highlighted the pressing global challenges such as wildfires, floods and biodiversity loss, emphasising the urgent need for collective action.   Napoleon detailed how Globhe transforms data into actionable insights to combat these issues. He traced the company’s journey from its inception, through rigorous testing phases, to developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). He also shared how entering and winning the Prize significantly boosted Globhe’s growth and impact, providing the necessary resources to scale their operations and enhance their global reach.   Based in Sweden and operating worldwide in 147 countries, Globhe has made significant strides in addressing environmental challenges through innovative drone technology. By providing on-demand drone data, Globhe helps organisations monitor and respond to natural disasters, track biodiversity, and manage environmental resources more effectively.   This technology has proven invaluable in mitigating the impacts of wildfires and floods, offering real-time data that enables swift and informed decision-making. The impact of Globhe’s work extends beyond environmental benefits, fostering technological advancement and supporting sustainable development in various sectors.   Okke Meijer, the CTO of Kelp Blue—COP28 edition winner in the Climate Action category, shared the company’s vision of cultivating large-scale kelp forests to sequester a gigaton of CO2 by 2050. He explained how Kelp Blue grows macrocystis pyrifera, one of the fastest-growing organisms on Earth, which captures vast amounts of carbon dioxide and fosters marine biodiversity.   Okke detailed their operations in Alaska, New Zealand and Namibia and emphasised the importance of the Prize in accelerating their journey, providing credibility and attracting investment.   In Namibia, Kelp Blue has already made significant strides in creating a sustainable and impactful operation. The company has planted 30 hectares of kelp in the nutrient-rich waters off the Namibian coast, which are ideal for large-scale kelp cultivation. This initiative not only helps in sequestering carbon dioxide but also supports marine biodiversity by creating rich habitats for marine life. The fully operational factory in Namibia processes the harvested kelp into valuable products, contributing to the local economy and providing employment opportunities. The impact of Kelp Blue’s work in Namibia extends beyond environmental benefits, promoting economic growth and community development.   Both talks underscored the innovative solutions their companies are developing. Globhe’s use of drone technology to gather critical environmental data and Kelp Blue’s sustainable products, such as biostimulants and biodegradable kelp leather, were highlighted as key contributions to sustainability. Okke also introduced their remote-controlled, solar-powered harvester, designed to manage larger kelp forests with minimal environmental impact.   A panel featuring these winners was moderated by H.E. Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, Former President of the Republic of Iceland and Chair of the Zayed Sustainability Prize Jury. The discussion delved into the transformative potential of their solutions in combating climate change and promoting sustainability. Their participation illustrated the impact of innovative thinking in addressing global challenges and the pivotal role of the Prize in empowering such initiatives.   Winning the Prize was a turning point for both companies. For Globhe, it provided the resources to scale their operations and enhance their impact. For Kelp Blue, it offered credibility and visibility, helping them attract more investment and expand their operations. Both companies have since deepened their impact and accelerated their plans to address global sustainability challenges.   The participation of GLOBHE and Kelp Blue at the Arctic Circle Assembly showcased the transformative impact of innovative solutions in tackling climate change and promoting sustainability. Their stories exemplify how the Prize supports and amplifies the efforts of pioneering companies, driving meaningful change on a global scale. As these companies continue to grow and innovate, they are paving the way for a more sustainable future. Read More 04 November 2024 LEDARS' Water Technologies Bring Relief to Coastal Communities in Bangladesh In the coastal regions of Bangladesh, rising salinity and water scarcity create daily struggles for many families. Climate change and higher sea levels exacerbate these issues, forcing residents like 12-year-old Azifa Parveen and her family to journey long distances for drinking water, often from contaminated sources.   LEDARS, a 2023 Zayed Sustainability Prize winner, has provided essential relief to over 15,000 families in these vulnerable areas with sustainable water solutions like Bio-sand Filters (BSF). These solutions bring safe drinking water directly to households, reducing both health risks and the time spent collecting water, allowing families to focus on education and livelihoods.   Azifa’s mother, Nahar Parveen, describes the profound impact of receiving a BSF from LEDARS: “It is like getting rid of a nightmare that never ends.” Previously, the family constantly struggled with waterborne illnesses, incurring frequent medical expenses. Now, with improved health, they no longer endure the exhausting trek for clean water. For Azifa, this transformation means fewer sick days and more time for school. "I’m very happy that I am no longer sick as often. I can study hard, and I don’t get tired," she shared, her ambition to become a doctor now closer to reality.   Beyond health, LEDARS supports food security and livelihoods by tailoring solutions like rainwater harvesting and pond sand filters to the unique environmental needs of coastal Bangladesh. Through these initiatives, LEDARS not only ensures safe water access but also strengthens resilience against the impacts of climate change, empowering families like Azifa’s to envision a future beyond survival. Read More 09 October 2024 Zayed Sustainability Prize Announces 2025 Finalists Pioneering Global Solutions 33 finalists selected from 5,980 submissions across 156 countries Focused on impact, the finalists are leveraging AI and cutting-edge technologies to capture and remove carbon emissions, promote environmental sustainability and ensure essential access to clean energy, water, food, and healthcare 9 October 2024: Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE’s pioneering award for innovative solutions to global challenges, has announced this year's finalists following a deliberation by its esteemed Jury.   The winners will be announced at the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony on 14 January 2025 as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.   The Zayed Sustainability Prize’s Jury elected the 33 finalists from 5,980 entries received across six categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools – a 15% increase in submissions over last year.   H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, and COP28 President, highlighted that the finalists demonstrate exceptional innovation and impact.   “The Zayed Sustainability Prize continues to honour the enduring legacy of Sheikh Zayed, whose visionary leadership in sustainability and humanitarianism guides the UAE’s mission to uplift livelihoods worldwide by fostering development in some of the most vulnerable regions.   This cycle, we received an unprecedented number of submissions, with notable participation from the Global South and youth. In fact, this year's submissions reflect the three megatrends shaping our future, namely the rise of the Global South, the pace of the energy transition and the growth of AI.   These changemakers are tackling urgent environmental challenges head-on, while simultaneously advancing economic progress through innovative solutions. By leveraging emerging technologies, such as AI, carbon capture and removal, tidal energy, precision agriculture, biomimicry, and climate analytics, they are addressing the needs of the moment while inspiring the next generation to innovate and drive sustainability in impactful ways.”   Through the Prize’s 117 winners to date, 11.35 million people have gained access to safe drinking water, 54 million homes have gained access to reliable energy, 3.6 million people have gained access to more nutritious food, and over 744,600 people have gained access to affordable healthcare.   H.E. Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chair of the Prize Jury, said: “This year’s Prize finalists showcase the remarkable steps being taken around the world to address urgent needs with creativity and determination – offering a vision of a more sustainable future. From enhancing biodiversity and food security through innovative technology, to providing critical energy and healthcare solutions for underserved populations, these pioneers are reshaping our world.”   This year's Health finalists focused on delivering quality healthcare services to underserved and remote communities.   The Health finalists are: Periwinkle Technologies, an SME from India that deploys a portable, AI enabled cervical cancer screening device that provides results in 30 seconds. Rology, an SME from Egypt that has created a 24/7 AI-assisted teleradiology platform that integrates with hospital systems to ensure prompt and accurate diagnoses. Telemedan, an SME from Chad that deploys solar powered, internet-connected medical kiosks that provide affordable healthcare to people in remote communities.   Food finalists focused on empowering small-scale producers, promoting sustainable food preservation, and transforming arid land into productive farms.   The Food finalists are: ABALOBI, an NPO from South Africa that created a mobile app and marketplace that empowers small-scale fishers to log catches and sell directly to consumers. Nafarm Foods, an SME from Nigeria that develops scalable hybrid solar food dryers that preserve food and reduce CO2 emissions. Xinjiang Shawan Oasis Sustainable Development Institute, an NPO from China that specialises in solar powered smart greenhouses that transform desert land into farms.   Energy finalists are delivering solutions that improve energy efficiency and enhance access to clean energy and transportation.   The Energy finalists are: D-Olivette Global Enterprise, an SME from Nigeria that develops an IoT and AI assisted smart waste management solution that improves collection efficiency by 40%. Palki Motors Limited, an SME from Bangladesh that manufactures local, low-cost electric cars with solar powered battery swap stations. Turbulent, an SME from Belgium that develops cost-effective, eco-friendly vortex hydropower turbines with 60% efficiency.   Water finalists are implementing solutions that optimise water use and improve access to clean drinking water.   The Water finalists are: Elman Teknoloji Ltd, an SME from Türkiye that employs sensors to optimise water use in irrigation and agriculture, cutting labour costs by 80%. High Atlas Foundation, an NPO from Morocco that provides a solar powered water pumping system to optimise groundwater extraction. SkyJuice Foundation Inc., an NPO from Australia that develops low-cost, easy to deploy water filters that provide clean drinking water without the need for chemicals, pumps, or external energy sources.   Climate Action finalists focused on advancing carbon capture, ecosystem restoration, and building climate resilience.   The Climate Action finalists are: Distant Imagery, an SME from the UAE that specialises in the development of AI-powered drones for environmental monitoring, seed planting and habitat restoration. Hyera Inc., an SME from the USA that has developed a carbon capture process for removing pollutants from water by converting agricultural and forest waste into activated carbon. OpenMap Development Tanzania, an NPO from Tanzania that deploys a flood management solution that combines indigenous knowledge with geospatial data.   The Global High Schools’ finalists presented project-based, student-led sustainability solutions, with finalists divided into six regions. The regional finalists include:   The Americas: Centro de Estudios Tecnológicos del Mar 07, Mexico; Institución Educativa San Nicolás de Tolentino, Colombia; and Mulgrave School, Canada   Sub-Saharan Africa: Mpesa Foundation Academy, Kenya; Sakafia Islamic Senior High School, Ghana; and St Kizito High School Namugongo, Uganda   Middle East & North Africa: Benlahrech Said High School, Algeria; Merryland International School Abu Dhabi, UAE; and Obour STEM School, Egypt   Europe & Central Asia: Baku Modern Educational Complex, Azerbaijan; Gebze Bahçeehr Science & Technology High School, Türkiye; and Presidential School in Tashkent, Uzbekistan   South Asia: Faafu Atoll Education Centre, Maldives; Girls Higher Secondary School Khaplu, Pakistan; and Janamaitri Multiple Campus, Nepal   East Asia & the Pacific: Beijing World Youth Academy, China; Te Pā o Rākaihautū, New Zealand; and Votualevu College, Fiji   In the Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action categories, each winner receives US $1 million. Each of the six winning Global High Schools receives up to US $150,000.   Read More 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. 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