School from Uzbekistan named finalist of the Zayed Sustainability Prize

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The specialized Angora School from Uzbekistan has been named one of the finalists for the prestigious international Zayed Sustainability Prize, becoming one of 33 projects selected from 7,761 applications submitted from 173 countries. The finalists’ projects aim to transform local communities and build a sustainable future.

The Zayed Sustainability Prize is a distinguished award from the United Arab Emirates in the field of sustainable development, granted annually for innovative solutions addressing global challenges. The winners will be announced on January 13, 2026, during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

This year, the jury selected 33 finalists across six categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools. The number of applications increased by 30 percent compared to last year, reflecting growing interest in sustainability and innovation.

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Director General of the Prize, noted that the finalists’ projects illustrate how modern technologies can be used to address global issues — from artificial intelligence and circular food systems to carbon recycling and ecosystem restoration. According to him, the participants continue the legacy of Sheikh Zayed, whose commitment to humanitarianism and sustainable development continues to inspire new generations.

The Zayed Sustainability Prize has been held for 17 years. Over this time, its laureates have improved the quality of life for millions of people worldwide: more than 11.4 million people have gained access to safe drinking water, 54 million households to reliable energy, 17 million to nutritious food, and over 1.2 million to affordable healthcare.

Chairman of the Prize Jury Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson emphasized that this year’s finalists prove that sustainable development is not a distant goal, but a reality shaped by communities, youth, and innovators. The Prize, he said, remains a symbol of hope, demonstrating that bold ideas can change lives and help restore the planet.

The finalists in the Global High Schools category represent six regions of the world. In the Europe and Central Asia group, alongside schools from Türkiye and Azerbaijan, is the Angora Specialized School from Uzbekistan. The school’s project focuses on implementing innovative solutions in ecology and sustainable development, showcasing the contribution of Uzbek youth to the global movement for a responsible future.

Winners in the Health, Food, Energy, Water, and Climate Action categories will each receive USUS$1 million, while each of the six winning schools in the Global High Schools category will be awarded up to USUS$150,000.

The Zayed Sustainability Prize is one of the flagship initiatives of Erth Zayed Philanthropies and is named after the founding father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Its mission is to inspire communities, businesses, and young people around the world to implement practical solutions that promote harmony between economic development and environmental stewardship.