Applications open for Zayed Sustainability Prize

The Zayed Future Energy Prize has been renamed the Zayed Sustainability Prize to expand the focus and impact of the prestigious international award.

Launched 10 years ago, the prize will now focus on five categories – health, food, energy, water and international secondary schools.

Organisers say the categories were chosen as being closely related and representing the basic constituents of survival. They say supporting and encouraging innovation is the best way to promote sustainable development.

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and general director of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, said: “Over the past decade, Zayed Sustainability Prize has had a positive impact on the lives of 307 million people through enhancing means to access energy, clean water, education, training, awareness raising and more.

“In a move aimed at enhancing alignment with the UAE’s national goals and UN goals for sustainable development, the award will expand to encompass not only renewable energy, but also global sustainability projects and innovations, and human development initiatives.

“The prize will support the young generation by expanding the scope of high schools internationally to include new regions around the world.”

Dr Lamia Fawaz, director of the prize, said the new direction would have “a positive impact on improving people’s lives around the world by inspiring especially the young”.

Applications for the prize are open, and it will be awarded in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in January next year.