Zayed Future Energy Prize draws record number of entries
A record 2,296 nominations from 112 countries were entered for the Zayed Future Energy Prize.
The number of entries increased 37 per cent compared with last year. The number of countries represented also rose from 103, representing the broadest geographic reach achieved by the prize to date. The top five countries by entries are India, Mexico, the US, Brazil and China.
There were 1,113 nominations for the Large Corporation and Lifetime Achievement categories. The remaining 1,183 submissions were for Small and Medium Enterprise, Non-Profit Organisation and Global High Schools categories.
High school submissions from the UAE doubled this year, making it one of the top five participating countries.
“It is heartening to see the continuing growth of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, as well as its ability to reach people and organisations of all levels,” said Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, chairman of the awards jury and former president of Iceland.
“Its role in giving due recognition and reward to innovators and advocates of renewable energy and sustainability serves as a catalyst for driving the sector forward. Year on year, we see the impact of the Zayed Future Energy Prize on the lives of people around the world, be it in remote regions or cosmopolitan cities.”
After an extensive evaluation process, the jury will select winners in each category, to be announced at an awards ceremony during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in January next year.
“The impact of the Zayed Future Energy Prize is a testament to Sheikh Zayed’s inspired vision,” said Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of State and Director General of the Zayed Future Energy Prize.
“It serves to not only create a mindset of sustainability among the youth, but to also mould future generations committed to innovating sustainable solutions for our world.
“Ultimately, the prize aims to deliver a positive impact to the livelihood of people globally. To date, we are proud to say that it has created a positive change in the lives of 289 million people across the world.”