Global projects that aim to solve sustainability challenges including the delivery of clean energy, safe water and quality health care to millions have been named as finalists in the Zayed Sustainability Prize.
The 33 finalists were selected from more than 7,760 submissions across 173 nations in six categories: health, food, energy, water, climate action and global high schools. The number of entries increased by 30 per cent compared with last year.
The winners of each category will receive $1 million in prize money. The successful projects will be 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.
"In doing so, they reflect the enduring legacy of Sheikh Zayed, whose vision of sustainable development and humanitarianism continues to inspire the UAE’s commitment to progress. Together, they reaffirm that, when we empower youth, entrepreneurs and communities, ambition can be turned into action that is inclusive, practical and global.”
Through the prize's 128 winners to date, it has been estimated that 11.4 million people have gained access to safe drinking water, 54.1 million have benefitted reliable energy, 17 million people received more nutritious food and more than 1.2 million gained access to 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.”
Helping those in need
This year's health finalists were chosen for helping to improve access to essential services in some of the world's most underserved communities. Among those in contention is Drop Access from Kenya, which uses solar power to refrigerate medical supplies.
The food finalists were chosen for pioneering sustainable agriculture, nutrition and circular food systems. Nominees include E Green Global from South Korea, a company that produces disease-free seed potatoes using microtube technology in indoor plant factories.
The energy finalists were selected for tackling access and efficiency challenges. Base Foundation from Switzerland was named among the nominees for offering cooling-as-a-service that makes the technology available through a pay-per-use model.
Finalists in the water category provide clean drinking water, improve water structure and use advanced intelligence in water management systems. The companies include Brazil's Stattus4, which detects leaks in water distribution networks.
The climate action finalists were chosen for "leading transformative efforts in climate resilience, disaster preparedness and circular innovation", state news agency Wam reported. Those include Build Up Nepal, which developed earthquake-resilient bricks to support sustainable construction.
The high school finalists are divided into six regions, with candidates selected for offering project-based, student-led sustainability solutions. The winners of each region will receive $150,000.
Sustainability finalists
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
Global High Schools
The Americas
- Centro de Ensino Medio 111 – Recanto das Emas – Brazil
- Escuela Secundaria Tecnica 117 Guillermo González Camarena – Mexico
- Mamawi Atosketan Native School – Canada
Sub-Saharan Africa
- Likuni Boys Secondary School – Malawi
- Kallamino Special High School – Ethiopia
- Kyanja High School, Mpigi – Uganda
Middle East & North Africa
- Fawakhir School for Applied Technology – Egypt
- Al-Raja School for the Hearing Impaired – Jordan
- Rashaya High School – Lebanon
Europe & Central Asia
- Bodrum Anadolu High School – Turkey
- Specialised School in Angor – Uzbekistan
- Istedad Lyceum – Azerbaijan
South Asia
- Qadir Nagar High School – Pakistan
- Faafu Atoll Education Centre – Maldives
- Kikani Vidhya Mandir – India
East Asia & Pacific
- Camarines Norte Senior High School – The Philippines
- True North International School – Vietnam
- Ruamrudee International School – Thailand
