Giving vision to ‘blind’, helping people in war zones: Meet change-makers who won UAE’s Zayed Sustainability Prize

Giving vision to ‘blind’, helping people in war zones: Meet change-makers who won UAE’s Zayed Sustainability Prize

The innovators and humanitarians who received the award share how the recognition will empower them and help touch more lives

Published: Tue 17 Jan 2023, 11:59 AM

From projects to help war-hit people in Iraq to the bunch of volunteers performing eye surgeries for indigenous communities in Amazon forest, the ideas and initiatives of this year's Zayed Sustainability Prize winners stand to make a huge difference in countless lives.

The President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, presented the prestigious award to the 10 winners. Those who were selected in five categories of health, food, energy, water received $600,000 each, while high schools from six regions of the world got $100,000 each.

The inspiring bunch of change-makers spoke to Khaleej Times on how the prize will empower them.

Giving vision to the 'blind'

A nonprofit organisation from Brazil has been providing specialised medical and surgical care for indigenous communities geographically isolated within the Amazon. It has helped thousands of people through its mobile hospital complex.

“Getting this prize is going to be very good for us. Now, we will have more partners in helping us in what we do, which is to take care of affected people in those forests. This will help give new