MACAO, May 27, 2025 – The Zayed Sustainability Prize Forum was held in China for the first time last week, marking a significant moment in global sustainability dialogue. Co-hosted by the Zayed Sustainability Prize and the Sino-International Entrepreneurs Federation (SIEF), the event took place at The Venetian Hotel in Macao as part of the BEYOND Expo 2025.
Under the theme “Accelerating Impact: China’s Innovation for Global Sustainability,” the forum brought together more than 300 business leaders, sustainability experts, and entrepreneurs to explore innovative approaches to solving global challenges.
Speaking at the event, H.E. Sheikh Saoud Al Mualla, Consul-General of the UAE in Hong Kong, highlighted the breadth of UAE-China cooperation: “UAE-China collaboration extends far beyond trade, including energy, logistics, financial services, agriculture, tourism, and space. In particular, the UAE and China enjoy a robust partnership in sustainable development. From landmark solar plants to wind energy demonstration projects, Chinese partnership has been integral to the UAE’s remarkable clean energy transition.”
Founded in 2008 to honour the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has supported 128 winners whose projects have impacted over 400 million people globally. The Prize spans six categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools.
Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Director of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, underscored the importance of the forum in uniting global efforts: “We were honoured to bring leaders, innovators, and partners together at the Forum to explore how we can accelerate progress that improves lives and uplifts communities. This gathering reflects the UAE’s ongoing commitment to fostering cross-border collaboration, unlocking capital, and supporting the technologies and youth-led solutions shaping the future of development and opportunity.”
The day’s agenda featured 22 public and private sector leaders from around the world, with keynote speeches, a TEDx talk, panel sessions, and a fireside chat. Discussions spanned topics including impact investment, tech innovation, and youth empowerment, while also spotlighting stories from past Prize laureates.
William Wang, Chief Representative for the Middle East & Africa at SIEF, said: “Many view the Middle East and Africa as the energy and investment powerhouse, but we see it as a region of future innovation, cultural richness, and global impact. We are deeply honoured to co-create platforms like this to continue building bridges of trust, opportunities, and shared purpose — working together to scale solutions that serve both local communities and the global good.”
As the official Sustainability Partner of BEYOND Expo 2025, which welcomed over 30,000 visitors and 1,000 exhibitors, the Zayed Sustainability Prize also provided a platform to catalyse new collaborations and expand the global footprint of sustainable solutions.