The Zayed Sustainability Prize 2027, with a generous fund of US $7.2 million, stands at the forefront of recognizing and advancing global sustainability efforts. Distinguished by its commitment to fostering innovation, the Prize distributes its fund across categories including Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools, each receiving significant financial support to further their impactful solutions.
In the realm of global sustainability, the Prize’s allocation of US $1 million each to the categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water, and Climate Action underscores its dedication to addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time. These sectors are pivotal for ensuring a sustainable future, and the Prize’s substantial support empowers innovators to scale their solutions, making a lasting impact on communities worldwide. In addition, 10 organizational finalists receive US $100,000 each.
For the Global High Schools category, the Prize earmarks US $900,000, divided among six schools from different regions, with each receiving up to US $150,000. Additionally, 12 Global High Schools finalists receive US $25,000 each. This unique focus on the younger generation highlights the Prize’s vision of nurturing future leaders in sustainability. It encourages students to conceptualize and implement projects that address local and global environmental challenges, fostering a culture of innovation and responsibility towards the planet.
The Zayed Sustainability Prize 2027, through its comprehensive and generous funding approach, not only honors the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan but also actively contributes to the global sustainability agenda. By supporting a wide range of sustainability initiatives across health, food, energy, water, climate action, and student-led projects, the Prize plays a crucial role in driving forward the innovations necessary for a sustainable future for all.
Quick overview of the Zayed Sustainability Prize 2027:
- Host Country: United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Award Name: Zayed Sustainability Prize 2027
- Eligible Countries: Open Worldwide
- Eligible Applicants: SMEs, Nonprofit Organizations (NPOs), and High Schools
- Prize Fund: US $7.2 Million
Categories:
- Health
- Food
- Energy
- Water
- Climate Action
- Global High Schools
Prize Fund: Total Prize Fund: US $7.2 Million
Winners
- Health: US $1,000,000
- Food: US $1,000,000
- Energy: US $1,000,000
- Water: US $1,000,000
- Climate Action: US $1,000,000
- Global High Schools: US $900,000 (divided among six schools, awarding each US $150,000)
Finalists
- Health: US $100,000
- Food: US $100,000
- Energy: US $100,000
- Water: US $100,000
- Climate Action: US $100,000
- Global High Schools: US $300,000 (divided among 12 schools, awarding each US $25,000)
Check UN Volunteer Program 2026: Complete Guide to Eligibility, Benefits, and Application Process
Benefits of the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards 2027:
- All finalists are invited to attend the Awards Ceremony, with flights and accommodation costs covered. This provides an excellent opportunity for networking and recognition on a global stage.
- Winners are asked to sign a contract with Masdar detailing the relationship between the Prize and its winners. This formal agreement helps define the collaboration and support provided through the Prize.
- The Prize fund is intended to support the sustainability programme or solution detailed in the submission. Alternatively, dedicating the fund to new sustainability ideas is also possible, subject to details being provided and agreed upon in advance with the Prize administration.
- For winners in the Global High Schools category, the Prize fund must be used to implement the proposed project as outlined in their proposal. This ensures that the funds directly contribute to the realization of sustainability projects, fostering innovation and sustainability practices among youth
Eligible Regions:
- The Americas
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Middle East & North Africa
- Europe & Central Asia
- South Asia
- East Asia & Pacific
Check FAO Global Youth Contest 2026 (Fully Funded Trip to Rome)
Eligibility Criteria of Zayed Sustainability Prize 2027:
- Open to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) in the Health, Food, Energy, Water, and Climate Action categories.
- Open to High Schools and Secondary Schools in the Global High Schools category.
- Applicants may apply in one category only.
- Previous winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize are not eligible to apply again.
- Solutions must demonstrate Innovation, Impact, and Inspiration.
- Health applicants should provide solutions related to healthcare access, disease prevention, and public health.
- Food applicants should provide solutions related to food security, sustainable food systems, and agricultural productivity.
- Energy applicants should provide solutions related to clean energy, energy access, and energy efficiency.
- Water applicants should provide solutions related to safe drinking water, sanitation, hygiene, and water-use efficiency.
- Climate Action applicants should provide solutions related to climate adaptation, resilience, environmental conservation, nature-based solutions, or carbon capture.
- Global High Schools applications must be submitted by students and supported by school management.
- Global High Schools projects must be implemented within one to two years.
- Global High Schools projects must benefit the school and/or local community for several years.
How to Apply For the Zayed Sustainability Prize 2027:
- Applicants must use the online submission portal accessible through the Zayed Sustainability Prize website.
- There are no fees required as part of the submission process.
- Entries can be submitted in English, Arabic, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Chinese (Mandarin).
- The submission window for the Zayed Sustainability Prize 2027 opened on 26 January 2026 and will close on 22 June 2026. Entries outside this timeframe will not be accepted.
- The portal allows applicants to save their progress and return later to complete or update their submission before the deadline.
- If you need to modify your application after submitting it but before the deadline, you must contact techsupport@zayedsustainabilityprize.com. The technical support team will reopen your application for editing, provided the request is made before the deadline.
- All submissions will receive an acknowledgment of receipt.
- Organizations or high schools may resubmit entries for the Prize.
- Previous winners are not eligible to apply again in any category.
- Each applicant or entity may enter one Prize category only.
Zayed Sustainability Prize Deadline:
- All interested candidates can apply on 22 June, 2026.
