All you need to know about Zayed Sustainability Prize
In 2008, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces introduced the Zayed Sustainability Prize to pay rich tribute and continue the legacy of his father, the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This UAE award for global pioneers is an evolution of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, and recognises outstanding sustainability solutions.
ALL ABOUT ZAYED SUSTAINABILITY PRIZE
For the last 15 years, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has been awarded to visionaries and innovators who provided impactful sustainability solutions to their respective industries. Evaluation is primarily based on innovation, the project’s effect on the community and how inspirational it can prove to be.
Overall, 106 individuals have received the Zayed Sustainability Award for their work that (directly or indirectly) positively impacted the lives of over 378 million people across the globe.
THE EVOLUTION OF ZAYED SUSTAINABILITY PRIZE
The scope of the prize has changed over the years. Initially, this leadership-driven initiative was directed towards encouraging global actions on developing renewable energy solutions. Soon it became one of the most recognised global awards that brought a positive change in many countries. Over a period of 10 years, newer award categories have been added to expand the prize’s reach so that more pioneers, visionaries and innovators can become eligible.
In 2018, a strategic shift was deemed necessary. So, the management decided to award prizes across multiple categories in the face of growing challenges. During this period, the name ‘Zayed Sustainability Prize’ was agreed upon. This also meant that the reward appreciated change and became further aligned with the UAE’s National Agenda 2021 and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The government of Abu Dhabi funds the Zayed Sustainability Prize. The awards process is managed by a dedicated team from Abu Dhabi-based renewable energy company, Masdar.
ZAYED SUSTAINABLE PRIZE CATEGORIES
The Zayed Sustainable Prize has the following categories:
HEALTH
Organisations* have to showcase impactful, innovative and inspirational solutions to be eligible for the health category. To be considered a health project, the basic criteria are as follows:
- Providing access to inexpensive and essential healthcare.
- Ending epidemic diseases like Malaria, AIDS and Tuberculosis.
- Preventing or treating water-borne (communicable and non-communicable) diseases.
- Reducing illness from contamination, hazardous material and pollution.
- Improving maternal and newborn health
* Only small to medium-sized enterprises or non-profit organisations are eligible.
FOOD
Provide impactful, novel and inspirational solutions in the field of food. The scope of the project includes but isn’t limited to:
- Having a material impact on malnutrition and hunger.
- Increasing agricultural output and productivity.
- Increasing sustainable food output.
- Increasing sustainable food production
* Only small to medium-sized enterprises or non-profit organisations are eligible.
ENERGY
Coming up with impactful, original and stimulating solutions in the field of energy. The scope of the project includes but isn’t limited to:
- Providing access to inexpensive and uninterrupted clean energy.
- Increasing clean energy production.
- Ensuring access to affordable and reliable clean energy.
- Enhancing the efficiency of energy and energy infrastructure.
- Introducing new technological innovation.
* Only small to medium-sized enterprises or non-profit organisations are eligible.
WATER
Instigating impactful, inventive and motivating solutions in the field of water. The scope of the project includes but isn’t limited to:
- Providing access to inexpensive and safe drinking water.
- Providing access to hygiene and sanitation.
- Increasing efficiency of water usage.
* Only small to medium-sized enterprises or non-profit organisations are eligible.
CLIMATE ACTION
In this category, small and medium-sized non-profits and enterprises are recognised which showcase impact in these areas:
- Climate adaptation and resilience
- Environmental solutions
A clear vision and a long-term plan have to be demonstrated to implement their solution and scale up their investment.
GLOBAL HIGH SCHOOLS
Students can submit a project application with the support of their school’s management. Their project must meet the following criteria:
- It must be impactful, novel and motivating.
- Can be implemented and made operational within 12 to 24 months.
- Benefit the school or local community directly for many years.
Furthermore, the award is offered as per the following regional divisions:
- The Americas
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- The Middle East & North Africa
- Europe & Central Asia
- South Asia
- East Asia & Pacific
ZAYED SUSTAINABLE PRIZE EVALUATION
Every category has different criteria for evaluation. The Health, Food, Energy and Water categories have the following criteria:
INNOVATION: 40%
One of the primary qualifications is coming up with a novel and innovative solution that generates value and produces a significant impact. The idea should transform and provide a solution for a current challenge, or a need. This could come in the area of a business model, service and technology.
The solution must:
- Offer a unique value.
- Transform or disrupt the current system.
- Prove viable technically and commercially.
- Adopted practically in the market.
* The Zayed Sustainability Prize money cannot be looked at as seed money for a startup, demonstration project or prototype that hasn’t proven on-ground impact.
IMPACT: 30%
The winning project must prove that it has a material change on an economic, technological, environmental or social challenge(s). Simply put, the solution should help make the world a better place.
To win, the organisation has to establish:
- The positive impact of their project on society.
- The project can withstand any social, technological, economic and environmental challenges.
- The organisation has a good governance model, adheres to fair policies and employs the right kind of workforce for the project.
A detailed plan outlines how the Zayed Sustainability Prize money can be used to increase the project’s impact.
INSPIRATION: 30%
The entire idea of having such a reward system motivated budding innovators worldwide to come up with new solutions. The Founding Father of the UAE, the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was one of the first global leaders who recognised the importance of human development and global sustainability. This prize aligns with his vision and works as an extra incentive for those who want to pursue socio-economic development.
In terms of quantifiable criteria, projects have to meet the following requirements:
- All projects have to be in the sphere of H.H. Sheikh Zayed’s core values, i.e. human development and sustainability.
- Is inspiring for individuals so more people can be motivated to take on such challenges.
- It must influence the larger society in a way that it instigates a change in the behaviour.
For high school awards, the criteria are slightly different.
INNOVATION: 30%
Innovation from students is a pivotal factor. A creative idea that can solve a problem for the school or the community in energy, food, health and water comes under consideration.
All applications must meet the following criteria:
- The project has to be student-driven. Students can work together to come up with an innovative solution, either by making use of existing technology or developing something on their own.
- Various project management techniques have to be used like planning, scheduling and financial budgeting by students, and then they can apply the learning at the school to deliver sustainable outcomes.
* The Zayed Sustainability Prize money cannot be looked at as seed money for a startup, demonstration project or prototype that hasn’t proven on-ground impact.
IMPACT: 30%
Equally important is the positive change brought about by the project in the lives of those working in the schools, the students themselves or the local community.
Schools have to demonstrate the following:
- The project has to deliver measurable sustainability goals. It can be in terms of clean water, basic healthcare, supplying nutritious food in the school or wider community or sustainable energy.
- The project will be beneficial for current and future students in terms of increased opportunities to learn about or improve their technical abilities in the field of sustainable development.
INSPIRATION: 40%
The most important factor in deciding the Zayed Sustainability Prize for High Schools is inspiration. H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan always believed that the country’s youth is its greatest investment. His vision is that youth should play an active role in laying the foundations for the world they will live in tomorrow. The criteria for this category are also based on these ideals.
Schools have to clearly demonstrate that:
- All projects are aligned with H.H. Sheikh Zayed’s core values, i.e. human development and sustainability.
- There is the long-term sustainability of the project.
- The project inspires and in many ways, prepares students to be the leaders and innovators of tomorrow who can take us into a world where sustainability issues have diminished.
- The project influences the larger society and instigates a behaviour change.
FAQS
HOW MUCH IS THE ZAYED SUSTAINABILITY PRIZE MONEY?
The Zayed Sustainability Prize fund is divided according to category.
The total prize fund is 3 million USD, distributed as follows:
- Health – $600,000
- Food – $600,000
- Energy – $600,000
- Water – $600,000
- Global High Schools – $600,000 – (divided amongst six schools from the six regions)
A three-stage process is followed to select the winners.
In the first stage, all submissions are evaluated to ensure that they meet the set Research & Analysis criteria. A selection committee reviews the projects during the second stage to shortlist final entries. During the third stage, the jury meets the finalist(s) in person and selects a winner. The final decision of the jury is unanimous.
To read about the selection committee and jury members, you can visit the official website.
HOW TO APPLY FOR ZAYED SUSTAINABILITY PRIZE?
You must follow five steps when applying for the Zayed Sustainability Prize:
- Read through the criteria and identify the award criteria in which your project falls.
- Create an account on the official submission portal. The process is self-explanatory.
- Complete the application form by answering all questions.
- Submit your entry by attaching all files in the requested format. Non-supportive files or sizes will not be uploaded. You save your entry and return later to complete the application. However, incomplete entries are not considered. Submissions are only acceptable in English.
- Once the submission is complete, you will receive an acknowledgement email.
The submission deadline for the Zayed Sustainability Prize 2023 has passed so you can start preparing for next year.
WHEN ARE THE WINNERS ANNOUNCED?
All Zayed Sustainability prize winners are announced at the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony. It takes place in the UAE capital during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
HOW CAN I SPEAK TO A ZAYED SUSTAINABILITY PRIZE OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE?
You can call on +971-2-653-3333.
That wraps up our review of the Zayed Sustainability Prize. It is a fantastic opportunity for global organisations and an incentive to work harder. They would be helping their communities and getting more money to further invest in their projects.
Climate change is a serious challenge the world over. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment of the UAE is taking many steps to readdress the alarming global situation. Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is a good example of how the UAE is trying to actively remedy environmental issues. Sustainable Development Initiatives also point towards the government’s effort to deviate away from the world’s old ways. There is also a push to move towards sustainable sources of energy in the UAE.
There have been considerable improvements and with initiatives like the Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE is playing a lead role in promoting a sustainable lifestyle worldwide.
Follow MyBayut to learn how to lead a sustainable lifestyle in the UAE.
