The Zayed Sustainability Prize, a prominent global award in sustainability and humanitarian efforts based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has officially opened submissions for the 2025 cycle.
The deadline for entries is set for June 23, 2024. Small to medium enterprises (SMEs), nonprofit organizations (NPOs), and high schools with sustainable solutions are.
They are also allowed to choose from six categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools.
Speaking of the event, H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, and COP28 President stated,
“Since 2008, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has honored the legacy of Sheikh Zayed by fostering inclusive sustainable and humanitarian development around the world.
“In this decisive decade for climate change, these values are more important than ever.
“I am optimistic that the Prize will contribute to global climate action in line with the UAE Consensus, which will pave the way toward an effective response to the Global Stock take decision.”
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Sustainable Solutions at Zayed Sustainability Prize 2025
In response to the urgent climate crisis and supporting the UAE’s commitment to practical solutions, the Prize has increased its funds from US $3.6 million to US $5.9 million.
Each winner in the organizational categories will receive US $1 million.
Similarly, the Global High Schools category, divided into six world regions, offers schools the opportunity to claim up to US $150,000 for their projects.
In a bid to encourage a diverse range of participants, the Prize will accept submissions in multiple languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish, and Portuguese.
This move aims to acknowledge innovative solutions from various linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Organizations submitting entries in the Health, Food, Energy, Water, and Climate Action categories must demonstrate improvements in access to essential products or services in their communities.
Additionally, they must present a long-term vision for enhancing living and working conditions.
In the Global High Schools category, student-led projects should showcase innovative approaches to addressing sustainability challenges.
The evaluation process involves a meticulous three-stage approach.
First is due diligence to ensure entries meet the Prize’s criteria of Impact, Innovation, and Inspiration.
A Selection Committee, composed of international experts, evaluates shortlisted candidates, whose finalists then proceed to the Prize Jury for the final selection.
The Zayed Sustainability Prize will announce the winners at an Awards Ceremony during the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).