The Zayed Sustainability Prize Jury selected 33 finalists from 5,980 entries received across six categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools – a 15% increase in entries compared to last year.

H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize and President of COP28, highlighted that the finalists demonstrated outstanding innovation and impact.

“The Zayed Sustainability Award continues to honour the enduring legacy of Sheikh Zayed, whose visionary leadership in sustainability and humanitarianism has guided the UAE’s mission to improve livelihoods around the world by promoting development in some of the most vulnerable regions.

This cycle, we received an unprecedented number of applications, with significant participation from the Global South and young people. In fact, this year’s applications reflect three megatrends shaping our future: the rise of the Global South, the pace of the energy transition, and the growth of artificial intelligence.

“These changemakers are tackling urgent environmental challenges head-on while advancing economic progress with innovative solutions. By leveraging emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, carbon capture and removal, tidal energy, precision agriculture, biomimicry, and climate analytics, they are meeting the needs of the moment while inspiring the next generation to innovate and drive sustainability in impactful ways.”

Thanks to the 117 winners of the award to date, 11.35 million people have gained access to safe drinking water, 54 million more homes have gained access to reliable energy, 3.6 million more people have access to nutritious food and more than 744,600 people have access to affordable healthcare.

H.E. Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, President of the Prize Jury, said: “This year’s Prize finalists showcase the remarkable steps being taken around the world to meet urgent needs with creativity and determination – offering a vision of a more sustainable future. From increasing biodiversity and food security through innovative technology to providing critical energy and health solutions for underserved populations, these pioneers are reshaping our world.”

Water finalists implement solutions that optimize water use and improve access to clean drinking water.

• Elman Technology Ltd., an SME from Turkey that uses sensors to optimize water usage in irrigation and agriculture, reducing labor costs by 80%.
• High Atlas Foundation is an NPO from Morocco that provides a solar-powered water pumping system to optimize groundwater extraction.
• SkyJuice Foundation Inc. is an Australian NPO that develops low-cost, easy-to-install water filters that provide clean drinking water without the need for chemicals, pumps or external energy sources.