Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 3 June 2021 : Following a six-month submissions phase amidst the prevailing restrictions imposed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE’s pioneering global award in sustainability, has officially closed entries for its 2022 awards. With a remarkable 4,000 applications received, the Prize marked a notable 68.5% increase in submission entries compared to the previous cycle.
Attracting submissions from a record 151 countries, representing over three quarters of the world’s countries, the Prize proves to be truly global in its reach and impact. This includes a significant number of entries from innovative, knowledge-based economies, all hoping to have their world-changing solutions and technologies recognised and scaled amidst a rapidly evolving global landscape.
While the Prize postponed its 2021 Awards ceremony due to the global climate at the time, submitted entries in 2021 were automatically considered in the 2022 cycle, alongside the new applicants. The noteworthy increased appetite for applying is an indicator that climate action is top of mind for Small & Medium Enterprises, Non-profit Organisations and Global High Schools, who look to the Prize as a catalyst for innovation and subsequent human impact.
The submissions for the upcoming awards, to be held in January 2022, reflect the current global climate in the lead up to COP26 and in the wake of post-pandemic recovery, with Food (1,201) and Health (879) as the top categories to attract a high number of pioneering solutions, followed by Energy (759) and Water (627). With 534 submissions, the Global High Schools category is perhaps one of the most inspiring results as completing entries in the face of extensive disruption and school closures is a clear sign of the global youth’s commitment to a sustainable future.
H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Director General of the Prize, said: “Inspired by the legacy of the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Prize continues to demonstrate the UAE’s commitment to promoting sustainability and humanitarianism. We are proud and encouraged to have received so many applications despite the difficult conditions the world is facing, and we will move forward with purpose, as the Prize continues to fulfil its role in supporting innovators and forward-thinking organisations who seek to change our world for the better.”
“As the international community continues to unite around ambitious climate action in the lead up to COP26, the high level of participation registered this year further demonstrated that creative sustainable solutions could come from every part of the world, and importantly can deliver tangible economic benefits along with social progress.” he added.
The top positioning of Brazil, India, Kenya, USA and China emphasises the importance of the Prize as the leading global accolade for innovation, impact and inspiration in the field of sustainability in key global and emerging markets alike. Significantly this notable increase is a testament to the multi-faceted nature of the challenges and opportunities on the pathway to achieving a sustainable future.
The impressive number of submissions this year and their geographical diversity in terms of reaching both developed and emerging countries, including remote areas of the world such as Fiji and Kiribati, reflects the Prize’s pursuit of excellence in attracting pioneers who operate in the framework of a globally shared vision that streamlines an integrated approach to meeting United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and transforming the lives of millions of people.
