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The $3 million Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE’s pioneering global award for excellence in sustainability, has officially closed its 2023 awards cycle with entries received from A record 4,538 entries from 152 countries.
Over a four-month period, entries were received in five award categories, Health, Food, Energy, Water and Global High School, demonstrating the award’s growing global reach and reach.
As part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the winners of the Zayed Sustainability Awards will be announced on 16 January 2023 at the Zayed Sustainability Awards 2023 ceremony.
Increase in number of submissions
There was a 13% increase in awards submitted by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), nonprofits and high schools compared to last year. The total number of submissions by SMEs across all categories increased, underscoring the rising trend of SMEs putting sustainability at the top of their agenda.
Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Director General of the Awards, said: “For the past 14 years, the Zayed Sustainability Awards have inspired practical solutions to global challenges, which have has made a real impact at the community level.. Inspired by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s commitment to sustainable development and humanitarian heritage, the award has so far improved 370 million people in 151 countries people’s lives.
“This year, we have seen a record number of applications from countries across the categories of health, food, energy, water and global high schools. I am excited to see what creative solutions this year’s applicants will bring, especially in the UAE As we prepare to host COP 28 next year.”
Take advantage of COP 28
“Given our desire to use COP 28 as a platform for inclusive and practical outcomes, I believe the award can help the private sector, the small business community and an increasingly active and engaged younger generation to drive social and economic progress,” he added.
This year’s submissions are more diverse than ever, revealing the impact of climate change on every country on every continent and reflecting a growing awareness that urgent climate action is critical to achieving the global net-zero carbon goal by mid-century. important.
More submissions were received this year from developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, East Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East and North Africa, demonstrating the growing involvement of developing countries in addressing climate change.
Most Submitted Countries
The countries with the most submissions included Kenya, India, China, Egypt, Brazil and the United States. By accepting entries from different regions, the award is better able to fulfill its mission of promoting impactful, innovative and inspiring sustainable and humanitarian development around the world.
The food (1,426) and health (946) categories attracted the most submissions, followed by energy (736) and water (601), while the global high school category received 829 submissions.
The food category has increased by nearly 20% compared to last year, with many entries proposing solutions aimed at sustainable food production to address growing food insecurity and malnutrition in a world threatened by climate change.
healthcare system
In the health category, several entries address the weaknesses of the healthcare system exposed by the Covid-19 pandemic and provide solutions to provide more resilient, inclusive, accessible and sustainable healthcare for those who need it most Program.
In the energy category, the award received numerous entries, focusing on improving sustainable energy access for disadvantaged communities, supporting UN Sustainable Development Goal 7, affordable and clean energy for all, and driving a low-carbon energy transition.
Finally, in the water category, several entries offer solutions aimed at addressing clean water production, climate change and water management challenges faced around the world, especially in developing countries.
high school
The 55% increase in submissions from high schools compared to last year is particularly encouraging and testament to the growing awareness among young people of the challenges and risks posed by the climate crisis and the opportunities to lead in sustainable development. Entries in the Global High Schools category presented waste management solutions, clean energy systems, and food systems such as hydroponics and aquaponics, reflecting students’ innovative thinking and careful consideration of projects best suited to their local communities.
With submissions closed, awards now go to the evaluation phase. All entries will now be shortlisted by independent research and analytical consultancies. A selection committee of globally renowned industry experts will evaluate qualified entries and shortlist candidates. The third and final tier of the judging process is the jury, which will meet in October to unanimously select the winner of each category.
Since its launch in 2008, the awards have directly and indirectly changed the lives of more than 370 million people around the world. Its global reach continues to grow as it furthers humanitarian outreach and sustainable development. Each winner in the Health, Food, Energy and Water category will receive $600,000 to expand the scope and scale of their sustainability solutions, while the Global High School category has six winners representing six world regions, each The winner can receive up to $100,000. arab trade news agency
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