Zayed Sustainability Prize’s Beyond2020 Initiative secures clean water for 9,000 rural Ethiopians

Zayed Sustainability Prize’s Beyond2020 Initiative secures clean water for 9,000 rural Ethiopians

ABU DHABI, 16th August, 2023 (WAM) -- Beyond2020, the UAE-driven humanitarian initiative launched by the Zayed Sustainability Prize and its partners, has improved access to safe drinking water for 9,000 people in the rural villages of Walessa, Holte, and Gato in Dirashe District, Ethiopia.

Six shallow wells with solar pumps have been installed in the villages, reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases and improving overall health.

The Beyond2020 deployment in Ethiopia was implemented by the Zayed Sustainability Prize finalist Solarkiosk Solutions, a German based company that provides rural, off-grid communities electricity, benefitting five million people to-date.

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Director-General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, and COP28 President-Designate, said, "As we continue to push towards a more sustainable and equitable world, access to safe water remains a fundamental human right. Beyond2020 and its partners are delighted to have been able to improve the livelihoods of three communities in Ethiopia by providing them with access to this essential resource.

As the UAE prepares to host COP28 – a COP aimed at accelerating inclusive sustainable development, particularly in the Global South – this deployment in Ethiopia is a perfect example of how we can create meaningful change