Search DubaiPRNetwork.com

Dubai and UAE
Home >> Local News and Government

Zayed Sustainability Prize Demonstrates Global Reach and Impact with over 5,900 Submissions

Zayed Sustainability Prize Demonstrates Global Reach and Impact with over 5,900 Submissions

Monday, July 15, 2024/ Editor -  

Share

Home >> Local News and Government
  • US $5.9 million Prize attracts submissions from 156 countries
  • High number of entries leverage advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain to address pressing sustainability challenges
  • Since 2008, the Prize has transformed the lives of over 384 million people

15 July 2024Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE's pioneering global award for sustainability and humanitarianism, has officially closed entries for its 2025 awards cycle. A total of 5,980 applications were received across the six Prize categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools, from 156 countries.

The Zayed Sustainability Prize winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony, which will be held on 14 January 2025 as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

This year's Prize has seen a notable 15% increase in submissions over the previous year from small and medium enterprises (SMEs), nonprofit organisations, and high schools. Close analysis of the submissions reveals a prevailing trend across all categories: a significant number of solutions are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI), big data, blockchain, 3D printing, and biotechnology applications, revealing the importance of technological innovation in driving progress towards sustainability.

H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE 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. Inspired by Sheikh Zayed's commitment to humanitarianism and people focused, inclusive sustainable development, the Prize has transformed the lives of over 384 million people.'

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

This year's submissions were more varied than ever, highlighting the universal impact of climate change on nations across all continents. Most of the 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 United Arab Emirates and the United States. This year, the Prize accepted submissions in multiple languages, including Arabic, English, French, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish, promoting inclusivity, ensuring broader participation, and allowing diverse perspectives from different regions and cultures to be represented.

The Food (1,255) and Climate Action (1,532) categories attracted the greatest number of submissions, followed by Health (997), Global High Schools (906), Energy (669) and Water (621).

In the Food category, which received twice as many submissions compared to last year, the entries respond 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, with organisations leading efforts in soil restoration, biodiversity enhancement, and sustainable resource use, fostering environmental sustainability.

SMEs and NPOs in the Health category predominantly focus on enhancing access to healthcare and disease prevention through solutions that leverage innovative technologies, community-driven programmes, and partnerships to bridge gaps in medical services, especially in underserved regions.

In the Energy category, the Prize received numerous entries from organisations dedicated to expanding sustainable energy access in vulnerable communities. While submissions featuring emerging technologies like hydrogen fuel systems, energy storage solutions and electric mobility, all critical for the global energy transition, also increased significantly.

Finally, in the Water category, many entries concentrate on enhancing water accessibility through innovative solutions that emphasise water conservation, advanced recycling techniques, filtration processes, and comprehensive treatment systems to ensure clean water resources for all.

The number of submissions from high schools has more than doubled compared to the previous year, signalling a significant increase in youth involvement and dedication to sustainable practices. In the Global High Schools category, the proposals included sustainable food production methods such as hydroponics and aquaponics, effective recycling and waste management strategies, the use of bioenergy, and the creation of bioproducts.

Following the close of submissions, the Prize now enters the evaluation stage. All entries will be shortlisted by an independent research and analysis consultancy. A Selection Committee comprised of globally renowned industry experts will then assess the qualified entries and shortlist the candidates. The third and final tier of the evaluation process is the Jury, which will convene in October to unanimously elect the winners in each category.

Since its launch in 2008, the US $5.9 million Prize has transformed the lives of over 384 million people around the world. Its global impact continues to grow, as it accelerates sustainable development and humanitarian progress. Each winner in the Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action categories receive US $1 million to expand the scope and scale of their sustainability solution(s), while the Global High Schools category has six winners, representing six world regions, with each winner receiving up to US $150,000.


Previous in Local News and Government

Next in Local News and Government


Home >> Local News and Government Section

Latest Press Release

Cigna International Health Study: UAE Maintains High Vitality Score of 72.5, Des ...

Lg releases third-quarter 2024 financial results

DAE Announces Financial Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024

Alef Education Maintains Impressive Growth Momentum in Q3, Recording Revenues of ...

e& announces Q3 2024 earnings with consolidated revenue growth of 10% to AED 14. ...

Hotpack Global conducts Breast Cancer Awareness session

Passengers Want Convenience and Technology to Improve Processes, Regional Prefer ...

DSBK Racing Launches the 2024-2025 Middle East Championship at Dubai Autodrome, ...

SITA and AACO advance on collaboration to tackle aviation's toughest sustainabil ...

Airport Excellence Awards return to honour partners powering DXB's global succes ...

Dubai Health Authority Launches Advanced "Hasana" System for Infectiou ...

Experience Halloween @ Emirates Park Zoo & Resort - “Creepy Carnival”

DWTC to Host an exciting Line-up of Conferences, Trade Shows and Exhibitions thi ...

UAE Team Emirates Claims UCI Crown for Second Successive Season

25 International & Local Sports Events to take place in Dubai during the Weekend

Fall-ing for Benefit Cosmetics: How to Nail the Autumn Look, even if It's Still ...

IATA to Offer Digital Currencies in Financial Settlement Systems

Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week highlights the importance of innovation and resea ...

Taiwan Excellence Unveils 16 Semifinalists for "Go Green with Taiwan"

GulfHost 2024 Set to Ignite the Future of Hospitality and Foodservice in MENA