by: Jehan Prochina
The Zayed Sustainability Prize, which is one of the most prestigious sustainability awards globally, held a recent webinar named "A Winners' Journey." It was an event where previous winners from the Philippines shared their experiences and encouraged other interested parties to apply for the 2024 Cycle. The prize was named after the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan of the UAE to celebrate and support innovative solutions that address global sustainability challenges.
Two Filipino winners spoke at the webinar. Illac Diaz won the energy category in 2015 with his Liter of Light project and Ma. Regaele Olarte and Jason Albaro won the Global High School category in 2019 with their ReVAMP proposal.
Illac Diaz's Liter of Light project is a lighting solution for marginalized communities that lack access to electricity. The project uses recycled plastic soda bottles, water, bleach, and simple technology to build bottle lights that provide affordable and eco-friendly lighting. Diaz's NGO, My Shelter Foundation, trains cooperatives on how to build this technology, and it has helped more than 145,200 families in over 15 countries.
Ma. Regaele Olarte and Jason Albaro's ReVAMP project is a scalable solar-powered micro-farm that produces high-value products from green algae. The project won the Zayed Sustainability Prize in 2019 in the Global High School category for the East Asia and Pacific region. The US$100,000 prize money was used to build their algae micro-farm, and they also used the project to teach their students about sustainability and green energy.
The Zayed Sustainability Prize is a well-regarded international award that recognizes the most innovative and impactful solutions to global sustainability challenges. Each year, the prize receives thousands of applications from individuals, organizations, and schools worldwide who are working towards creating a sustainable future. The prize is awarded in five categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, and Global High Schools. Winners receive a cash prize of up to $600,000 and access to a network of global leaders, experts, and innovators who can help them scale their solutions and maximize their impact.
Applying for the Zayed Sustainability Prize can offer several advantages. Firstly, it offers an opportunity to gain recognition for sustainability efforts on a global stage, and winning the prize can elevate the profile of your project or organization. Secondly, it provides substantial financial support that can help in funding research and development, expanding operations, or scaling impact. Thirdly, the prize provides access to a global network of sustainability experts, policymakers, and thought leaders who can provide valuable guidance and support. Finally, the application process can help reflect on sustainability efforts and refine the approach.
We encourage more Filipino innovators to apply for the prize and be recognized for their invaluable efforts in creating a sustainable future for communities.#
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