Zayed Sustainability Prize Launches Global Call For Innovative Solutions In Six Categories

The Zayed Sustainability Prize in the UAE, an initiative under Erth Zayed Philanthropies, has opened submissions for 2026. This prize has positively impacted 400 million lives globally by promoting innovative solutions to significant global issues. For its 17th year, it invites small to medium enterprises (SMEs), nonprofit organisations, and high schools to submit projects in six categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools.

In 2024, the Prize attracted 5,980 submissions from 156 countries, highlighting a growing global commitment to sustainable development. As the 2026 cycle begins, the Prize seeks to continue this momentum by leveraging technological innovation and human creativity at the Nexus of Next. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber stated that the Prize honours Sheikh Zayed's vision of inclusive sustainable development.

The Prize awards US$1 million to winners in each organisational category. In the Global High Schools category, divided into six regions worldwide, winners can receive up to US$150,000. This funding has already led to significant improvements in vulnerable areas globally. For instance, healthcare access has expanded in Southeast Asia and food poverty reduced in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Applicants for the Health, Food, Energy, Water, and Climate Action categories must demonstrate how their solutions improve access to essential services and offer a long-term vision for better living conditions. Projects in the Global High Schools category should be student-led and present innovative methods to tackle sustainability challenges.

The evaluation process for submissions involves three stages. Initially, all entries undergo due diligence to ensure they meet criteria of Impact, Innovation, and Inspiration. This step identifies qualified entries for further consideration. A Selection Committee of international experts then evaluates these entries before finalists are chosen.

The final decision rests with the Prize Jury who selects winners across all six categories unanimously. The winners will be announced at an Awards Ceremony in 2026. The most recent ceremony was attended by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed along with other dignitaries who witnessed the impact of winning projects.

Encouraging Diverse Participation

To attract a wider range of participants from various backgrounds and regions, submissions are accepted in multiple languages including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish, and Portuguese. This inclusivity aims to encourage more organisations and high schools worldwide to participate.

The Prize continues to serve as a platform for advancing sustainable solutions globally while honouring Sheikh Zayed's legacy of humanitarian development. By supporting projects that use new technologies for community prosperity and improved living conditions, it places people at the centre of progress.

With inputs from WAM