Zayed Sustainability Prize honours global pioneers advancing progress

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has honoured the winners of the 2026 Zayed Sustainability Prize at an awards ceremony held during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

The event brought together world leaders, ministers and sustainability pioneers.

Celebrating its 18th year, the Zayed Sustainability Prize is the UAE’s flagship award for innovative solutions to global challenges.

Since its launch in 2008, the Prize has recognised 128 winners across six categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools.

Collectively, these initiatives have improved the lives of more than 411 million people around the world.

Speaking at the ceremony, His Highness reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to advancing wellbeing and stability through practical, inclusive solutions.

He said the Prize reflects the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed, inspiring cooperation and innovation to build a better future for all.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Director-General of the Prize, praised the winners for delivering real-world solutions that strengthen health, food systems, clean energy and water access, while driving climate action.

The latest edition attracted a record 7,761 submissions from 173 countries, reviewed through a rigorous selection process by technical experts and an international jury chaired by former Icelandic President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson.

Among the category winners, the Health award went to UAE-based SME Jade, recognised for its AI-powered, play-based platform that transforms early neurodevelopmental screening.

The system is now used in more than 450 institutions across 179 countries and has already supported over 180,000 children worldwide.

In Food, Singapore’s N&E Innovations was honoured for its biodegradable antimicrobial packaging made from upcycled food waste, helping extend shelf life while reducing food waste.

In Energy, Switzerland’s BASE Foundation was recognised for its Cooling-as-a-Service model, delivering affordable, low-carbon cooling solutions across 68 countries.

Brazilian company Stattus4 received the Water award for its AI-enabled technology that detects leaks in water networks, saving billions of litres of water daily and improving water security for millions.

In Climate Action, Nepal-based nonprofit Build up Nepal was recognised for producing earthquake-resistant eco-bricks, supporting resilient housing, green jobs, and significant carbon reductions.

The Prize also highlighted its Global High Schools category, which empowers young people to develop student-led sustainability projects. Each year, six schools from different world regions receive funding to implement innovative local solutions.

The 2026 Global High Schools winners are Mamawi Atosketan Native School in Canada, Kyanja High School in Uganda, Al Rajaa School for the Deaf in Jordan, Bodrum Anatolian High School in Türkiye, Faafu Atoll Education Center in the Maldives, and Ruamrudee International School in Thailand.

Together, the winners reflect the Zayed Sustainability Prize’s ongoing mission to turn innovation into action and create lasting impact for communities around the world.

Energy, joy, disbelief.
Watch the room erupt as our winners leap from their seats, cheer with their teams, and take the stage to celebrate their win. pic.twitter.com/vhHsp5dPv5

— Zayed Sustainability Prize (@ZSP_ORG) January 13, 2026