Zayed Sustainability Prize 2026 Honours Global Innovators at Abu Dhabi Ceremony -

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The 17th Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards, presented on January 13, 2026, during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), marked a defining moment in global sustainability leadership. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, the ceremony brought together presidents, prime ministers, ministers, and distinguished dignitaries from around the world, underscoring the growing international commitment to addressing climate and development challenges.

Reflecting its expanding global influence, the 2026 edition of the prize recorded unprecedented participation, receiving 7,761 submissions from 173 countries—a 30 percent increase over the previous year. The record turnout highlights the accelerating momentum behind innovative, scalable solutions aimed at tackling critical global issues such as water security, climate resilience, energy access, food sustainability, and public health.

Established by the United Arab Emirates, the Zayed Sustainability Prize recognises and rewards nonprofit organisations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and high schools that are delivering impactful sustainability solutions. The prize honours the humanitarian and environmental legacy of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and has emerged as one of the world’s most influential platforms for advancing sustainable development.

For the 2026 cycle, 33 finalists were shortlisted across six categories—Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools—showcasing solutions that combine technology, local knowledge, and measurable social and environmental impact.

Among the 2026 category winners, Jade (UAE) was recognised in the Health category for its AI-powered platform enabling early detection and personalised interventions for developmental conditions such as autism and ADHD. In the Food category, N&E Innovations (Singapore) was honoured for converting agricultural and food waste into biodegradable, antimicrobial food-safe packaging, reducing post-harvest losses.

The Energy award went to BASE Foundation (Switzerland) for its innovative Cooling-as-a-Service model, which provides energy-efficient and affordable cooling solutions to underserved communities. In the Water category, Stattus4 (Brazil) received recognition for its AI-enabled sensors and software platforms that detect and address water leaks in real time, saving billions of litres of water daily. The Climate Action award was presented to Build up Nepal (Nepal) for producing low-carbon, earthquake-resilient eco-bricks that support sustainable construction and job creation.

The Global High Schools category celebrated student-led sustainability initiatives from across the world, including projects focused on hydroponic farming, zero-waste agriculture, rainwater harvesting, wildfire detection using artificial intelligence, renewable energy systems, and climate-smart farming practices.
Over the years, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has played a pivotal role in empowering innovators, youth, and organisations that are delivering real-world solutions to some of the most pressing global challenges. With its growing reach and impact, the prize continues to strengthen international collaboration and inspire collective action toward a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future. – ER News Desk

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