Founded in honour of the principles held by the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Zayed Future Energy Prize has helped to support several environmental initiatives around the world — benefiting more than 202 million people — with the winners of the prize voicing their gratitude for the occasion of Zayed Humanitarian Day.

Zayed Humanitarian Day, which falls on the 19th day of Ramadan — the day Shaikh Zayed passed away — is to honour the memory of Shaikh Zayed and the humanitarian work and policies he made during his lifetime.

Key among those policies was the protection of the environment. As such, the Zayed Future Energy Prize was announced in 2008 to uphold and preserve that legacy of Shaikh Zayed.

'The UAE leadership wanted to create an international prize that would continue the legacy of the late Shaikh Zayed. And, through its five categories, the prize reflects Shaikh Zayed's belief that all sections of society must be involved if we are to achieve a sustainable future for all,'said Dr Nawal Al Hosany, Director of the Zayed Future Energy Prize.

'One of the things that stands out about the Zayed Future Energy Prize is the transformative platform that it offers the winners. Not a week goes by without one of our former winners gaining more recognition for the work they are doing, and this says a lot about the positive impact of the prize,'she added.

Al Hosany noted that the Zayed Future Energy Prize was playing a critical role for the future when it comes to clean and sustainable energy.

'The prize is the UAE's international award for pioneers of a sustainable energy future and it really is unique in that it requires impact, innovation, leadership and long-term vision from its winners. This uniqueness is, in part, driven by the UAE's commitment to achieving sustainable global development — a commitment that is driven at its core by a desire to take action now for a more prosperous tomorrow.

'Through the prize, the UAE is rewarding demonstrated solutions that address energy security, energy access and environmental sustainability, while fostering a community that encourages sustainable energy innovation among current and future generations,' she added.

Al Hosany also mentioned that the organisation was looking to expand its reach and impact.

'We want the prize to continue to inspire the next generation of thought leaders and entrepreneurs through its Global High Schools category. Already, young people are responsible for leading the change towards a sustainable future. So, supporting them and aiding their development is very important and reinforces another critical component of the legacy of Shaikh Zayed,' she said.

Courtesy : Gulf News