Zayed Sustainability Prize Opens Global Call For Submissions For 2027 Cycle

The Zayed Sustainability Prize has opened submissions for its 2027 cycle, inviting organisations and schools worldwide to apply. The global sustainability and humanitarian award, affiliated with Erth Zayed Philanthropies, continues to promote projects that support inclusive development and environmental protection in line with the vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Now in its 18th year, the Zayed Sustainability Prize offers a total fund of US$7.2 million for the 2027 round. Small and medium enterprises, nonprofit organisations, and high schools are eligible to submit solutions in six areas: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools, with applications open until 15th June 2026.

Over almost twenty years, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has supported initiatives that improve quality of life in many regions. The Prize reports that more than 400 million people worldwide have benefited. Supported projects include renewable energy access, affordable healthcare services, enhanced food and water security, and measures that help communities in vulnerable areas cope with environmental and economic pressures.

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Director-General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, underlined the UAE’s approach. Dr. Al Jaber said, "Guided by Sheikh Zayed’s humanitarian values, the Zayed Sustainability Prize reflects the UAE’s commitment to advancing solutions that deliver real, measurable impact. By championing innovation in all its forms, from community-led approaches to cutting-edge technologies such as AI, the Prize supports solutions that improve lives and reach the most vulnerable."

For the 2027 cycle, winners in each of the five organisational categories—Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action—receive US$1 million. Winners in the Global High Schools category receive US$150,000 for student-led projects in their communities. Submissions must show clear, proven outcomes and align with the core criteria of impact, innovation, and inspiration to be considered for these awards.

A revised funding structure, introduced from the 2026 cycle, also applies to the Zayed Sustainability Prize. Under this model, financial support extends beyond final winners to all shortlisted finalists. The Prize allocates US$1.3 million for finalists, providing US$100,000 for each organisation in the five main categories and US$25,000 for each Global High Schools finalist.

Zayed Sustainability Prize application process and evaluation

Entries to the Zayed Sustainability Prize can be submitted in seven languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. This multilingual approach aims to make participation accessible for applicants from different regions. All submissions must present evidence of success on the ground and demonstrate potential for wider impact in their communities or sectors.

The evaluation of the Zayed Sustainability Prize follows three stages. First, each application goes through due diligence to confirm alignment with the Impact, Innovation, and Inspiration criteria. Then, the Selection Committee, formed from category-specific international experts, undertakes detailed assessments and prepares a shortlist. From this group, the Prize Jury unanimously selects winners in all six categories.

The announcement of the 2027 winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize will take place at the 2027 Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony. With substantial funding for both winners and finalists, and a structured review process, the programme continues to support projects that address health, food, energy, water and climate challenges for communities worldwide.

With inputs from WAM