Abu Dhabi, UAE -* The Zayed Sustainability Prize, a renowned global sustainability and humanitarian award originating from the UAE, has unveiled its finalists for this year after a meticulous evaluation by its distinguished jury.
The winners are scheduled to be declared at the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony on December 1 during COP28 UAE, the 28th Conference of the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, taking place from November 30 to December 12.
The esteemed jury of the Zayed Sustainability Prize selected the 33 finalists from an impressive 5,213 submissions spanning six categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools. This year saw a 15% increase in submissions compared to the previous year. Notably, the new Climate Action category, introduced to commemorate the UAE’s Year of Sustainability and the hosting of COP28 UAE, garnered 3,178 nominations.
Hailing from 30 countries, including Brazil, Indonesia, Rwanda, and others, the finalists represent a diverse range of small and medium-sized businesses, nonprofit organizations, and high schools. They embody the Prize’s expanding mission to honor innovations that transcend boundaries and address pressing global challenges.
H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Director-General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, and COP28 President-Designate, commented on how the finalists epitomize remarkable ingenuity and unwavering dedication to shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet.
“The Zayed Sustainability Prize carries forward the enduring legacy of UAE’s visionary leader, Sheikh Zayed, whose commitment to sustainability and humanitarianism continues to inspire us. This legacy remains the guiding light of our nation’s aspirations, propelling us forward in our mission to uplift communities around the globe. Over the past 15 years, the Prize has been a powerful force for positive change, transforming the lives of over 378 million people across 151 countries. We have incentivized solutions that are driving climate and economic progress in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.
This cycle, we received a record-breaking number of submissions from every continent. The innovations put forth by the finalists reflect a profound dedication to inclusivity and an unyielding resolve to bridge critical gaps. These solutions directly align with the four pillars of the COP28 UAE agenda: fast-tracking a just and equitable energy transition, fixing climate finance, focusing on people, lives and livelihoods and underpinning everything with full inclusivity. The work of these sustainability pioneers will contribute practical solutions for climate progress that protect the planet, improve livelihoods, and save lives.”
Through the Prize’s 106 winners to date, 11 million people have gained access to safe drinking water, 54 million homes have gained access to reliable energy, 3.5 million people have gained access to more nutritious food, and over 728,000 people have gained access to affordable healthcare.
H.E. Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chair of the Prize Jury, stated, “As global challenges continue to mount, our newest group of Prize finalists reveal the extraordinary efforts being made worldwide to meet the needs of the moment with purpose and innovation – inspiring hope for a brighter future. Whether it’s restoring the ocean wilderness, using technology to ensure better, more sustainable farm yields, or driving change for individuals without access to affordable healthcare, these innovators are transforming our world.”
Finalists in Key Categories:
Health:
– Alkion BioInnovations (France)
– ChildLife Foundation (Pakistan)
– doctor SHARE (Indonesia)
Food:
– Gaza Urban & Peri-urban Agricultural Platform (Palestine)
– Regen Organics (Kenya)
– Semilla Nueva (Guatemala)
Energy:
– Husk Power Systems (USA)
– Ignite Power (Rwanda)
– Koolboks (France)
Water:
– ADADK (Jordan)
– Eau et Vie (France)
– Transform (Denmark)
Climate Action:
– CarbonCure (Canada)
– Foundation for Amazon Sustainability (Brazil)
– Kelp Blue (Namibia)
Additionally, the Global High Schools category featured regional finalists:
The Americas:
– Colegio De Alto Rendimiento La Libertad (Peru)
– Liceo Baldomero Lillo Figueroa (Chile)
– New Horizons School (Argentina)
Europe and Central Asia:
– Northfleet Technology College (United Kingdom)
– Presidential School in Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
– Split International School (Croatia)
Middle East & North Africa:
– International School (Morocco)
– JSS International School (United Arab Emirates)
– Obour STEM School (Egypt)
Sub-Saharan Africa:
– Gwani Ibrahim Dan Hajja Academy (Nigeria)
– Lighthouse Primary and Secondary School (Mauritius)
– USAP Community School (Zimbabwe)
South Asia:
– India International Public School (India)
– KORT Education Complex (Pakistan)
– Obhizatrik School (Bangladesh)
East Asia and the Pacific:
– Beijing No. 35 High School (China)
– Swami Vivekananda College (Fiji)
– South Hill School, Inc. (The Philippines)
In the Health, Food, Energy, Water, and Climate Action categories, each winner will receive US$600,000. Each of the six winning Global High Schools will receive up to US$100,000.
About the Zayed Sustainability Prize:
The Zayed Sustainability Prize pays homage to the legacy of the late founding father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The Prize’s goal is to drive sustainable development and humanitarian action by recognizing and rewarding organizations and high schools that are delivering innovative sustainable solutions in the fields of Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools. Over the past 15 years, through its 106 winners, the Prize has positively impacted the lives of over 378 million people in 151 countries.