- 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
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.
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Zayed Sustainability Prize Demonstrates
Global Reach and Impact with over 5,900 Submissions (Graphic:
AETOSWire)
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.
The Zayed Sustainability Prize is the UAE’s pioneering award for
innovative solutions to global challenges.
A tribute to the legacy and vision of the UAE’s founding father,
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Prize aims to drive
sustainable development worldwide.
Each year, across the Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate
Action and Global High Schools categories, the Prize rewards
organisations and high schools for their groundbreaking solutions
to our planet’s most pressing needs.
Through its 117 winners, in 16 years, the Prize has positively
impacted over 384 million lives across the globe, inspiring
innovators to amplify their impact, and chart a sustainable future
for all.
*Source: AETOSWire
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Alexandra Patel, +971524407034
alexandra.patel@bursonglobal.com