Zayed Sustainability Prize extends submission deadline

Zayed Sustainability Prize has extended its submissions deadline for the 2021 awards until June 11.

The extension, from May 21, was made to accommodate applicants amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Global organisations and schools around the world can still submit their entries, apply and compete through the prize's online portal.

Applicants should offer long-term solutions and demonstrate their intent of improving access to essential products or services across five main categories: health, food, energy, water and global high schools.

“As the world continues to combat Covid-19, identifying practical and effective solutions that strengthen sustainable development and empower others to do so through the Zayed Sustainability Prize remains an objective of paramount importance," said Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and director general of Zayed Sustainability Prize.

"Therefore, given the special circumstances that various communities and nations are facing, the decision was taken to extend this year’s submission deadline.

“We have seen an encouraging volume of entries thus far, and we are confident that the expanded time frame will enable the world’s sustainability pioneers to inspire us with their ideas to effect positive change.”

The $3 million (Dh11m) prize fund is divided equally between the winners of the five categories, with each allocated $600,000 (Dh2.2m).

The Global High Schools category recognises six winners, from six world regions, with each winning school eligible to claim up to $100,000 (Dh367,000) in funding.

More than 2,300 entries from 129 countries were made for last year's award.

Now entering its 13th year, the prize has  rewarded 86 winners whose solutions or school projects have, directly and indirectly, transformed the lives of 335 million people around the world.

The annual awards ceremony is held during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, when innovators, committed to developing solutions to serve disadvantaged communities and people, are rewarded with a cash prize to be used towards funding their ideas.