The Dubai Municipality, in collaboration with UN Habitat, offers Best Practices Awards for outstanding contributions that demonstrate valuable contributions to sustainable urban development. The five award categories include one on urban food systems, and one on addressing climate change and reducing pollution. The competition is open to governments, nonprofits, companies, universities and individuals. Total award prizes sum up to US$1 million. Winners will be announced at the awarding ceremony of the 13th cycle in Dubai. The deadline to receive submissions is 31 August 2023. Link to the award
awards/prizes
Sustainable Energy for All — Sustainable Cooling Solutions
Sustainable Energy for All seeks youth-led sustainable cooling solutions that can improve affordability and increase access to sustainable cooling. Entries may be submitted by individuals or groups, all under 35 years of age. Three teams will receive a cash prize and further support from the competition sponsors. Solutions must be submitted by 15 September 2023. This Is Cool Challenge
OpenIDEO — Climate Resiliency Challenge
The Climate Resiliency Challenge seeks organizations and teams across the globe to develop solutions that will empower frontline communities to be ready and resilient against disasters caused by climate change – in particular, wildfires, floods, and extreme weather. Winners will receive prizes ranging from US$50 thousand to US$200 thousand. The challenge is open to individuals, teams of individuals, and legal entities. Deadline for submissions is 10 July 2023. Climate Resiliency Challenge
Teach A Man To Fish — Trash To Cash Challenge
The Trash To Cash Challenge seeks young innovators who want to launch a business which has a positive impact on the environment. The Challenge is to collect materials normally thought of as ‘trash’ or waste and create a new product with them. Then, participants have one day to sell their product and make as much cash as possible. Prizes are awarded to our most inspiring Ecopreneurs. Young people under 25 are invited to take part in the challenge. The application deadline is 24 July 2023. Trash To Cash Challenge
Japan Water Fund — Kyoto World Water Grand Prize 2024
The Japan Water Fund and the World Water Council announce the call for application for the Kyoto World Water Grand Prize 2022. The winner of the prize will receive ¥2 million (approximately US$18 thousand). Eligibility to compete for the prize extends to non-profit organizations with an established record of striving to solve critical water issues at the grass-roots level in developing countries. Applications close on 11 June 2023. Kyoto World Water Prize
Elsevier — Renewable Transformation Challenge
Elsevier announces the biennial Renewable Transformation Challenge. The challenge invites innovative proposals which contribute to the goal of transitioning to 100% renewable energy. The first prize winner receives €20 thousand. Eligibility to apply extends to organizations such as private enterprises, NGOs, and research institutions for undertaking projects and programs that help move the world toward an energy system supplied entirely by renewable energy sources. Applications have to be submitted by 03 July 2023. Renewable Transformation Challenge
Heifer International — Pitch AgriHack Competition
Pitch AgriHack is a digital agriculture competition focused on accelerating entrepreneurial growth in the agriculture sector in Africa. The competition invites African businesses to pitch their approach to driving technological innovation in the agriculture sector. The competition provides cash prizes totaling US$45 thousand. A fourth invite-only category will award up to US$1.5 million in grants to scalable ventures that are already generating measurable impact for Africa’s smallholder farmers. Applications close on 03 July 2023. Pitch AgriHack
UNESCO — Sultan Qaboos Prize for Environmental Preservation
The UNESCO Sultan Qaboos Prize for Environmental Preservation recognizes outstanding contributions by individuals, groups of individuals, institutes, or organizations in the management or preservation of the environment. This refers to contributions in environmental and natural resources research; environmental education and training; environmental awareness; and activities to establish and manage protected areas such as biosphere reserves and natural World Heritage sites. Nominations for the Prize can be made by UNESCO member states and by international organizations, or by NGOs which have consultative status with UNESCO. The financial prize is US$100 thousand, donated by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said of Oman. The deadline for nominations (English, French) is 15 July 2023. Prize for Environmental Preservation
Fishbowl Challenge — Competition for Social Entrepreneurs
The Fishbowl Challenge brings college students from around the world together to solve the world’s most complex social and environmental problems. Students from all around the world are invited to apply and join a team of 4 peers to form a Fishbowl Team, come up with an approach to solve an important global issue chosen from 5 focus areas (including Environmental Protection and Renewable Energy) and develop a business plan. The winning team will receive up to US$50 thousand in prize money to develop their ideas further. Undergraduate and graduate (Master’s) university students from all countries are eligible to apply. Applications have to be submitted until 01 August 2023. Link to the Fishbowl Challenge
OPEC Fund — Annual Award for Development
The OPEC Fund honors outstanding contributions to sustainable development. Each year, the annual award recognizes a different theme of particular relevance to global development. In 2023, the theme is “Gender Equality and Climate Action”. The prize is US$100 thousand. The nominee must be a charitable organization. Deadline to submit nominations is 12 May 2023. OPEC Annual Award for Development