Zayed Sustainability Prize opens applications and reinforces its global role in promoting life-changing solutions

In a global landscape increasingly pressured by climate crises, social inequalities, and structural challenges, initiatives that recognize concrete solutions are gaining prominence. This is precisely the purpose of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, which is now accepting applications until June 22. 

Created in honor of the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the United Arab Emirates, the prize has established itself as one of the world’s most relevant platforms for encouraging sustainable innovation.

More than simply recognizing good ideas, the initiative values projects that demonstrate a real positive impact on the lives of communities around the world.

Throughout its 18-year history, the prize has supported 139 winners and positively impacted more than 400 million people. These figures are impressive, but what truly sets the Zayed Sustainability Prize apart is its operating logic: rewarding solutions that work and have the potential to scale.

However, this initiative goes far beyond a traditional award. In practice, it serves as a global catalyst for impact for its winners. This is because the recognition comes with significant financial investment and, most importantly, international visibility.

This combination allows winning projects to expand their reach and scale into new regions, creating a multiplier effect. The logic is clear: when an effective solution receives support, it moves beyond the local level and gains global potential.

Eligible projects: who can apply

Applications are open to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and nonprofit organizations. For these profiles, projects must already be operational, as the prize does not include early-stage initiatives, prototypes, or untested proposals. Applicants must demonstrate viability and measurable results.

High schools may also apply, even if their project is not yet operational. In this case, it is essential that students have active participation in the project’s execution.

This diversity of profiles broadens the scope of the prize and allows the identification of solutions across different contexts and levels of action.

The categories covered are:

• Health
• Food
• Energy
• Water
• Climate Action
• Global High Schools

High schools have their own dedicated category. Regardless of whether they are developing a health-related project, for example, they must select the Global High Schools category.

Each of these areas reflects urgent challenges of our time, from access to basic healthcare and clean water to food security, energy transition, and climate adaptation. All are essential themes for sustainable development.

In the case of schools, the focus is on empowering young changemakers. Projects must be student-led and have practical implementation potential, encouraging a problem-solving mindset from an early age.

One of the most important aspects of the Zayed Sustainability Prize lies in how initiatives are evaluated. All applications go through a rigorous process based on three pillars: impact, innovation, and inspiration.

Impact relates to the ability to generate concrete improvements in quality of life. Innovation requires a clear differentiator, whether technological, social, or within the business model. Inspiration considers the potential to influence other people and organizations. This means that having a good idea alone is not enough.

This filtering process raises the standard of selected initiatives and ensures that resources are directed toward solutions capable of generating real and lasting change.

Awards of up to US$1 million and support for finalists

This year, the prize will offer a total of US$7.2 million in awards. The amount will be distributed as follows:

• Each of the five winning organizations (one in each category) will receive US$1 million;
• Each of the six winning schools will receive US$150,000.

As a new development, finalists will also receive financial support. This model expands the prize’s overall impact, as not only the winners are encouraged. By also supporting finalists, the prize strengthens a broader range of solutions.

One of the most interesting aspects of the prize is its ability to scale initiatives. Many of the recognized solutions begin in specific communities, addressing local challenges, but with support, they become replicable in other contexts.

This movement is essential in a world where problems such as water scarcity, food insecurity, and access to clean energy are repeated across different regions.

By investing in adaptable solutions, the Zayed Sustainability Prize helps accelerate global responses to shared challenges.

Application deadline

Applications are open until June 22 at 7:00 PM (Brasília time).

The evaluation process takes place in three stages: technical review, finalist selection, and deliberation by an independent jury.

Winners will be announced on January 12, 2027, during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in the United Arab Emirates.

A legacy that continues to inspire

The legacy of Sheikh Zayed, who always advocated for balanced development between economic progress, environmental responsibility, and social well-being, continues to guide the initiative.

More than recognizing projects, the prize reinforces an essential idea: solutions to the planet’s greatest challenges already exist, but they need to be strengthened, connected, and expanded.

At a time when the world is searching for urgent answers, the Zayed Sustainability Prize points to a possible path forward: investing in what already works. After all, transforming the future depends not only on new ideas, but also on the courage to support those already changing the present.

Support sessions for applicants

If you are interested, read the official guidelines and visit the website to submit your application.

To support applicants, Sherlock Communications has been hosting weekly sessions to answer questions. The next one will take place this Thursday (30) at 4:00 PM (Brasília time), focusing on the criteria of inspiration, innovation, and impact.

To participate, register here. It will be a pleasure to welcome a representative from your institution.

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Neuza’s Column is part of Lupa do Bem, the Corporate Social Responsibility project of the communications agency Sherlock Communications.