Over 5,900 Entries For Zayed Sustainability Prize Highlight Global Drive For Innovation

The Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE's global award for sustainability and humanitarianism, has officially closed entries for its 2025 awards cycle. A total of 5,980 applications were received from 156 countries across six prize categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools. Winners will be announced on 14th January 2025 during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

This year's prize saw a notable 15% increase in submissions over the previous year from small and medium enterprises (SMEs), nonprofit organisations, and high schools. Most 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 UAE and the United States.

A close analysis of the submissions reveals that a significant number of solutions harness artificial intelligence (AI), big data, blockchain, 3D printing, and biotechnology applications. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, 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."

"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 AI coupled with community-driven approaches are key to effectively addressing climate change and driving social and environmental progress," he added.

The Food (1,255) and Climate Action (1,532) categories attracted the greatest number of submissions. In the Food category, which received twice as many submissions as last year, entries responded 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. Organisations led efforts in soil restoration, biodiversity enhancement, and sustainable resource use to foster environmental sustainability. SMEs and NPOs in Health focused on enhancing access to healthcare through innovative technologies and community-driven programmes.

Innovative Solutions Across Categories

In the Energy category, numerous entries came from organisations dedicated to expanding sustainable energy access in vulnerable communities. Submissions featuring emerging technologies like hydrogen fuel systems increased significantly. In Water category entries concentrated on enhancing water accessibility through innovative solutions emphasising water conservation.

The number of submissions from high schools more than doubled compared to last year. In Global High Schools category proposals included sustainable food production methods such as hydroponics and aquaponics. Effective recycling strategies were also prominent among these entries.

Evaluation Process

Following the close of submissions, all entries will be shortlisted by an independent research consultancy. A Selection Committee of globally renowned industry experts will then assess qualified entries before shortlisting candidates. The third tier involves a Jury convening in October to elect winners unanimously in each category.

This year's submissions were more varied than ever before highlighting climate change's universal impact on nations across all continents. The prize accepted submissions in multiple languages including Arabic promoting inclusivity ensuring broader participation allowing diverse perspectives from different regions.

Each winner in Health Food Energy Water Climate Action categories receives US$1 million to expand their sustainability solution(s). The Global High Schools category has six winners representing six world regions each receiving up to $150000.

With inputs from WAM