World's most prestigious $1m prize to be presented today

Founded in 1999 by H. H. Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, the Zayed International Prize for the Environment recognizes and encourages environmental achievements supporting and promoting the implementation of Agenda 21, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation for Sustainable Development, in line with the vision and philosophy of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Father of the United Arab Emirates.

"The Zayed International Prize for the Environment is now recognized internationally as one of the most important contributions of the United Arab Emirates towards global efforts to promote sustainable development. It reflects the great concern of its leaders and people about the environmental issues at all levels," said Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Bin Fahad, Director General of Dubai Police Academy and Chairman of the Higher Committee of the Zayed Prize.

The Zayed Prize is open to both individuals and organizations, is presented every two years in three categories: Global leadership in environment carrying a total prize purse of $500,000 that is awarded to a person or organization that makes a clear impact on international policy and directions regarding the protection of the environment and promotion of sustainable development.

The second category of the award is for Scientific/technological achievements in environment and carries a total prize purse of $300,000 and is awarded to a person or organization that has made well documented scientific or technological contributions towards solving environmental problems or towards understanding the concepts and issues. This prize reflects the UAE's consideration towards science and technology.

The third category is the Environmental action leading to positive change in society and carries a total prize purse of $200,000.

This award is presented to a person or organization that has made environmental achievements or implemented ideas leading to direct and significant change in society or change of public opinion or coordinating between government and non-government organizations and private sector towards sustainability.