Zayed Sustainability Prize opens global call for 2027 submissions

The Zayed Sustainability Prize has opened submissions for its 2027 cycle, inviting innovators from around the world to apply for one of the most significant global awards supporting sustainability and humanitarian solutions.

Announced on January 26, 2026, in Abu Dhabi, the Prize will distribute a total of US$7.2 million to enterprises, nonprofit organisations and schools delivering practical, scalable solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

An affiliate of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, the Zayed Sustainability Prize is the United Arab Emirates’ flagship global award for sustainability and humanitarian innovation.

It carries forward the vision of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose legacy emphasised inclusive development, environmental stewardship and social impact.

Now in its 18th year, the Prize is open to small and medium-sized enterprises, nonprofit organisations and high schools across six categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools.

Commenting on the launch of the 2027 submissions cycle, H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, said the initiative remains focused on solutions that deliver measurable results for communities.

“Guided by Sheikh Zayed’s humanitarian values, the Zayed Sustainability Prize reflects the UAE’s commitment to advancing solutions that deliver real, measurable impact. By championing innovation in all its forms from community-led approaches to cutting-edge technologies such as AI — the Prize supports solutions that improve lives and reach the most vulnerable,” Al Jaber said.

Growing global reach

The call for 2027 submissions follows a record-breaking 2026 cycle, which received 7,761 submissions from 173 countries, underscoring the Prize’s growing global reach and relevance.

In the 2026 cycle, a total of US$5.9 million was awarded to 11 organisations and high schools from the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Canada, Nepal, Switzerland, and Uganda, reflecting the Prize’s commitment to supporting impact-driven solutions across diverse regions and development contexts.

Over nearly two decades, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has positively impacted more than 400 million people worldwide.

It has supported projects that have expanded access to clean energy, safe water, nutritious food and affordable healthcare, while strengthening climate resilience in vulnerable communities.

Many of these interventions have been implemented in developing regions, including across Africa, where access to sustainable services remains uneven.

Funding and eligibility

Under the 2027 cycle, winners in each of the five organisational categories Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action will each receive US$1 million.

Winners in the Global High Schools category will receive US$150,000, aimed at helping students implement or scale sustainability projects within their communities.

Building on reforms introduced in the previous cycle, the Prize continues with an enhanced funding model that supports innovators beyond the final awards stage.

Under this approach, all finalists receive financial support, recognising the value of solutions that demonstrate strong impact and scalability.

The Prize now commits US$1.3 million to finalists, providing US$100,000 to each shortlisted organisation across the five main categories, and US$25,000 to each shortlisted high school.

Selection process and deadline

Submissions must demonstrate proven impact and align with the Prize’s core evaluation criteria of Impact, Innovation and Inspiration.

Applications are accepted in seven languages Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish allowing for broad global participation.

All entries undergo a three-stage evaluation process, beginning with a due-diligence review, followed by assessments by a Selection Committee of independent international experts.

Finalists are then submitted to the Prize Jury, which unanimously selects the winners across all six categories.

The deadline for submissions is 15 June 2026, with winners to be announced during the 2027 Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony.