Zayed Sustainability Prize shortlists 33 projects driving global impact
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Thirty-three global projects have been announced as finalists for the Zayed Sustainability Prize, which recognizes initiatives tackling urgent challenges in health, food, energy, water, climate action and education.
The finalists were selected from more than 7,760 submissions across 173 nations, a 30 per cent increase compared with last year. Winners in each category will be awarded $1 million when results are announced on January 16 during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
“This year’s finalists show that sustainability and prosperity are no longer separate goals, but two sides of the same path forward", said Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and director general of the Zayed Sustainability Prize.
“From AI-enabled health diagnostics and circular food systems to disaster preparedness and climate resilience, they are harnessing technology, finance and community leadership to deliver solutions that are affordable, reliable, scalable and generate socioeconomic value for the communities they serve”.
Since its launch, the prize has recognized 128 winners. Organizers estimate that these projects have helped 11.4 million people gain access to safe drinking water, 54.1 million access reliable energy, 17 million receive more nutritious food, and 1.2 million access affordable health care.
“This year’s finalists reveal a powerful truth – sustainability is no longer a distant ambition, it is a lived reality shaped by communities, young people and innovators across the globe," said Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, chairman of the prize jury.
"Their solutions reflect a world awakening to the urgency of rapidly changing environmental and socioeconomic realities, and the prize continues to be a beacon of hope, showing how bold ideas can transform lives and restore our planet", he added.
Finalists by Category
Health
- Drop Access – Kenya
- Healthy Learners – Zambia
- Jade Autism – UAE
Food
- E Green Global – South Korea
- INMED South Africa
- N&E Innovations
Energy
- Base Foundation – Switzerland
- GRST – China
- Poder y Luz Maya – Guatemala
Water
- Iriba Water Group – Rwanda
- Stattus 4 – Brazil
- The Great Bubble Barrier – Netherlands
Climate Action
- Build Up – Nepal
- Clic Recycle – Spain
- Gree Energy – China