The Jollibee Group continues to spread Pinoy pride in the US! Newsweek, a premier news magazine and website, together with global data firm Statista, named Jollibee, Chowking, Smashburger, and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CBTL) as among the best in their selected categories
More wins for theJollibee Group, as four of its brands made it to the list of America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains for 2023. Newsweek, a premier news magazine and website, together with global data firm Statista, named Jollibee, Chowking, Smashburger, and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CBTL) as among the best in their selected categories.
“We are honored that our brands are included in this list of most favorite restaurant chains in the United States. We thank our customers for their continued support, resulting in this citation that inspires us even more in our mission of serving great-tasting food, bringing the joy of eating to everyone,” said Ernesto Tanmantiong, Jollibee Group President and CEO.
The 2023 ranking was determined based on the results of an independent survey among over 4,000 customers and employees of restaurant chains in the United States. The respondents were asked to indicate which restaurant chains would they recommend among three ethnic cuisines and 13 dish categories.
The three ethnic cuisines include Chinese, Italian, and Tex-Mex; while the 13 dish categories consist of BBQ, burgers, chicken, coffee/tea/baked goods, ice cream/frozen yogurt, juice and smoothies, noodles and ramen, pizza, sandwiches, seafood, soup, steak, and Sushi.
Jollibee was cited in the chicken category, Smashburger for burgers, CBTL for tea and coffee, and Chowking for Chinese cuisine category.
According to Statista, all ratings were transformed into a score value and aggregated towards a final score. The survey respondents rated their experience with the restaurant chains using these nine assessment criteria: taste, cleanliness, hygiene and COVID-19 measures, transparency about ingredients, location, dealing with environmental issues, accessibility, service quality, and treatment of employees.
To receive an award, a restaurant chain needed to receive a minimum number of recommendations and an overall score of at least 7 out of 10. In addition, a restaurant chain was required to have at least three locations across different cities within at least two U.S. states.
There’s something special about oranges that lifts one’s mood. Oranges represent bursts of vitality to brighten one’s day, from the fruit’s vibrant color or its sweet-tart taste.
Managing one’s exertion amidst significant weather changes contribute to the increased risk of catching the common cold and the flu. Medical professionals recommend making mindful lifestyle updates to boost immunity and prevent illness. Health journals also note the effect of adding oranges to the daily diet, as these fruits are packed with vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps lower the risk of cell damage and enhance the immune system. Oranges are also rich in B vitamins that help convert food to energy and regulate brain functions.
Well-loved brands like Tropicana Twister makes getting one’s daily dose of vitamins easier. Available through Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI), the country’s exclusive distributor of PepsiCo beverages, Tropicana Twister is made with real orange juice squeezed from fresh-picked oranges.
“Tropicana Twister is the ideal of taste and nutrition. Every bottle is packed with vitamins for a healthy immune system. Tropicana Twister helps keep us refreshed and well, especially during the rainy season,” said Frederick Ong, PCPPI president and chief executive officer.
“Keeping ourselves healthy remains a responsibility we must uphold, especially with more people returning to their offices or attending in-person classes. It has become more crucial to nourish our bodies with vitamins to keep us strong. Adding orange juice to one’s diet is among the easiest ways to do this. With Tropicana Twister, we enjoin everyone to continue having the zest for life,” Ong added. Tropicana Twister is available in stores nationwide.
PCPPI is the exclusive manufacturer of Tropicana and other well-known beverage brands like Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Sting, Gatorade, Lipton, Aquafina, Premier, and Milkis. For more information about PCPPI and its products, please visit pepsiphilippines.com.
Singlife Philippines – a better way to financially protect your family
Singlife Philippines may be the new kid on the block, but it’s definitely not playing around. In just two years, the company has been able to give clients a full range of alternatives to save & protect their financial future. Protecting your income from disability or death, shielding customers from high medical costs, and preparing parents for the high costs of Children’s education – all these can now be done in just a matter of minutes on your mobile phone via GCash, the country’s largest e-wallet.
With a client base of more than 100,000 clients, Singlife Philippines has proven to be the alternative the market has been waiting for. The company received an excellent rating from customers on the customer review platform, Trustpilot. Customers cited having transparent products that are good value for money, easy claims handling, and customer service that offers solutions fast as reasons for the Company’s excellent ratings.
“Singlife Philippines offers a better way to save for, plan, and protect the financial future of every Juan and Maria. Research has shown that the upcoming middle income class understand the value of being financially protected and prepared, but they felt uncomfortable talking to an agent or sales representative in a bank,” said Rien Hermans, CEO of Singlife Philippines. “Customers feel intimidated, monthly premiums are above their available budget, and benefits and charges are unclear, all leading to unpleasant experiences and frequently a financial loss.”
To answer what clients indicated they looked for, Singlife Philippines built a new business model from the ground up with the main objective of meeting the client’s needs and alleviating most, if not all of the pains that they experienced in finding suitable solutions from the traditional life insurance industry. Singlife Philippines’ products are geared towards the main worries that people shared during research: not being able to provide for the family after the loss of the main income earner; being confronted with an illness in the family that incurred large hospital bills and being ready for times when extra money is needed for fulfilling big goals. With this information, Singlife Philippines developed new propositions and partnered with GCash to make Fuss-free insurance available to many Filipinos.
Cash for Income Loss for exampleprovides monthly cash benefits to families so that they can sustain their lifestyle in case the main income earner is unable to work due to disability or death. The minimal amount of PHP 289* a month already protects the family with 3 years of monthly pay-outs of PHP 30,000/month.
Singlife Philippines’ medical cost protection products, which are most in demand,relieve the financial distress caused by high medical bills. Cash for Medical Costs pays for hospitalization and provides a cash benefit when diagnosed with any of the 125 covered critical conditions. For as little as PHP 600, you can already have your family protected against these unforeseen expenses.
Singlife Philippines’ latest offering, Cash for Goals (Education), is the company’s first investment-linked product. It was designed to help parents save and grow their money, so they can afford their child’s college education. Apart from supporting parents to save and grow their money, the product also ensures that the education fund is available in case the paying parent passes away. With just PHP 500 per month parents can already start building up their child’s Education Fund.
Apart from these products Singlife Philippines offers ‘starter’, budget-friendly products like the 3-in-1 Protection Plan, or Cash forIncome Loss (Accidents). The 3-in-1 Protection plan offers coverage for hospital bills due to dengue, COVID-19, while Cash for Income Loss (Accidents) replaces your income in case you are unable to work due to disability or death incurred in an accident.
“All of our products are designed to be hassle-free to buy, manage, and claim; they can be adjusted to fit your needs and your budget; and they can be accessed anytime, anywhere through your GCash app. We are very proud of what we’ve achieved this year and excited about our future plans. Our target is to insure at least a million people in the Philippines, so there is still a long way to go.” furthered Hermans.
There is no slowing down, for Singlife Philippines! The company is continuously developing more solutions to support customers with a better way to save for, plan and protect their financial future.
This 2023, say goodbye to the roaring tiger and usher in the spirited rabbit as you celebrate Chinese New Year at your favorite SM malls nationwide!
From January 9 to 22, SM Supermalls has lined up exciting activities and events for a prosperous Year of the Water Rabbit festivities. If you are up for some hoppin’ fun adventures, here are exclusive CNY deals for you to enjoy.
Share good luck over good food at SM
Chinese New Year will always be about family dining and spending time together. This month, indulge in a delicious dine-in experience at SM with the whole family and enjoy sumptuous Lucky Feast deals from participating tenants.
Have a stroll at the Lucky Park
Don’t miss out on the fun of strolling around SM Supermalls’ Lucky Park. Snap a photo with the whole family at the Bunny Family Photo Spot, or take selfies at the magnificent Money Trees and the lighted rabbits. You can also read through your luck this year with the Zodiac Forecast Panels or put your A-game on at the Lucky Finds Pop-Ups in the area to win CNY exclusive deals.
Witness a Lion and Dragon Dance
Who would want to miss a signature lion dance during the Chinese New Year? At SM, lion and dragon dance performers will go around the mall to get all the lucky hanging hong baos. Catch them perform live from January 13 to 22!
Usher in good fortune this year with tips from a Feng Shui expert!
When it comes to Feng Shui, SM Supermalls knows how you can harness the positive energy that the new year brings. And with the help of Feng Shui expert, Ms. Marites Allen, you’ll surely discover what 2023 has in store for you.
Just present a minimum SM receipt worth Php 1,000 to get a chance to talk to her in person in the following malls:January 14, 2PM – SM City Olongapo Central January 15, 2PM – SM City San Lazaro January 19, 2PM – SM City Fairview January 20, 2PM – SM City Dasmariñas January 20, 5PM – SM City Sta. Rosa January 2 1, 2PM – SM Megamall January 21, 5PM – SM City North EDSA January 22, 2PM – SM City Bacoor January 22, 5PM – SM Mall of Asia
Scan and win amazing prizes in this AR hunt game
Test your luck at the Lucky Rabbit Hunt in SM malls! Join this AR hunt game by opening the app on your mobile device. Hunt for the triggers, scan the area, and catch lucky rabbits all around the mall with your family and friends.
As the Year of the Water Rabbit predicts hope this 2023, SM Supermalls wishes their shoppers longevity, peace, and prosperity this Chinese New Year. So, hop on luck and enjoy all these CNY-themed activities safely and conveniently at your favorite SM Mall!
SM City Baliwag led by Assistant Mall Manager Eugene Martin (left) and Building Administration Manager Jay Esquivel (right) together with Lokal Bayong representative Ms. Rose Ann Natividad (2nd from left) turnover 25,840 worth of cash donation to Baliwag South Central School, the beneficiary of 100 Days of Happiness campaign at SM City Baliwag. Accepting the donation on behalf of the school is the Principal, Ms. Rosalie Santos (2nd from right).
SM Malls in Bulacan have raised at least 192K for various organizations and charities through the “100 Days of Happiness” campaign.
Launched last year at 100 days countdown to Christmas, the campaign aims to create a circle of happiness in the communities where SM has malls. Through viable livelihood support and partnerships, SM intends to raise resources for noble advocacies and beneficiaries in all 76 participating malls nationwide.
SM Malls in Marilao, San Jose Del Monte, Pulilan, and Baliwag partnered with several organizations in Bulacan to provide opportunities, raise funds, and create livelihood for chosen beneficiaries and charities.
SM City Marilao was able to raise a total ofPhp.154,291.00 for persons deprived of liberty (PDL) within 100 days starting September 16, 2022. By partnering with Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), the mall was able to showcase PDL creation and products such as art paintings, native and twine bags, baskets, bead accessories, coin banks, rugs, handicrafts and home décors that are perfect holiday gifts for loved ones. Proceeds and generated revenue were turn over to PDL through BJMP. During the turn over ceremony, Jail Chief Inspector Delight Ercilla of Welfare and Development Division thanked SM City Marilao for opening an avenue where people can patronize PDL’s creation and products.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa SM City Marilao sa malaking tulong na nagawa po nila sa aming mga PDL sa pagkat binigyan kami ng oras para maipamalas ano man yung talento ng aming mga PDL sa pamamagitan ng pagdisplay ng mga PDL livelihood products sa loob ng mall” shares JCP Ercilla “Malaking tulong po itong na generate na amount kasi makakatulong ito sa kanilang pamilya sa labas at sa kanilang pang araw-araw na gastusin dito sa loob ng BJMP” Ercilla added.
For the 100 Days of Happiness campaign inSM City San Jose Del Monte, the mall partners with City Related Establishment Society on Tourism (CREST) of the city. Peanut butter, resin pieces as well as leather goods were on display for 3 and a half months at the mall. Dumagat Tribe Community at Brgy. San Isidro SJDM benefitted from the campaign as part of the sales from 100 Days of Happiness selling were donated to the said tribe with a total amount of Php.12,667.35.
SM City Baliwag, in partnership with Lokal Bayong, likewise took part in a meaningful school year as they lead the turnover of Php.25, 840.00 worth of cash donations for the public school students and teachers of Baliwag South Central School.
“The donation raised from SM’s 100 Days of Happiness campaign will help in the projects and activities the school has lined up for the development of students and teachers,” shares SM City Baliwag Assistant Mall Manager Eugene Martin.
SM Center Pulilan together with Tonyo’s Kitchen turnover proceeds from the 100 Days of Happiness campaign to the marginalized members of the Pulilan Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association.
Filipino artist Jarlo Bâse deftly incorporates contemporary pop, R&B, gospel, and alternative music influences with haunting soundscapes on his new single “O Sana, Hosanna”—out today via Sony Music Entertainment.
The song draws listeners to its emotionally powerful narrative while making great strides in songwriting and production.
According to the talented music act, the concept of his new track came from his filmmaker/choreographer friend Jobert Lachica.
Who pitched a story about the cycle of abuse and being abused, or, in the words of Charles Eads, the theme surrounding the phrase “hurt people hurt people.”
“So, from there, I thought of sharing the perspective of someone who is going through a dark phase in his/her/their life, and what it might feel like to constantly have an ongoing battle with one’s self,” Jarlo explains.
“O Sana, Hosanna” was written by Jarlo Bâse, who also serves as the 2023 single’s sole producer. He constructed a sonic equivalent of a battlefield, or to quote him directly, “a scene from an anime where the main character is struggling to break his limits in a fight.”
“O Sana Hosanna” will be launched for the first time on a live stage this Jan. 20, at the Social House in Makati City.
Enjoy up to Php 1,000 discounts on OPPO IOT devices when you purchase any OPPO smartphone until January 31
Calling all OPPO fans! Kickstart your year with not just one, but two brand new OPPO devices, as the global smart device brand offers special IOT discount vouchers for every smartphone purchase for the month of January. Whether it’s a smart watch, earbuds or even a tablet, let OPPO help you hit your goals, increase productivity, and maximize downtime this year with this new year promo.
One of the reasons you should take advantage of this promo is being able to enjoy the highest discount on OPPO IOT devices if you purchase OPPO’s recently launched smartphone under the OPPO Reno8 series, the OPPO Reno8 5G 12+256GB. The new OPPO Reno8 12+256GB comes in a new glossy, fingerprint resistant color of Sunkissed Beige with a larger RAM at 12GB and 256GB ROM. With this, you can experience an upgraded performance that is smoother compared to the OPPO Reno8 5G original release. Capture more memories with a larger storage and experience no lags for better productivity.
Along with your new OPPO Reno8 5G 12GB+256GB, you will also get an exclusive discount of Php 1,000 off on IOT devices worth over Php 3,000. You can make a fresh start to the year with a new mobile phone, plus your very own ultra slim OPPO Pad Air, the ever reliable OPPO Band 2, OPPO Watch Free, OPPO Enco X2, and many more.
Customers who are eyeing other OPPO smartphones can also take advantage of a Php 700 discount voucher for any IOT product worth over Php 3,000, or a Php 500 discount voucher on IOT gadgets under Php 3,000. You can grab a new pair of the OPPO IOTs like the Enco Buds first release, the Enco Buds 2, Enco Air, and even smartwatches like OPPO Band.
This is your sign to upgrade and experience better performance with IOT devices that are made to pair perfectly with a new OPPO smartphone. Don’t walk, but run to any OPPO Brand store or retailer nationwide because these promos will only last until January 31, 2023!
For more information on OPPO smartphones and IOT products, visit https://www.oppo.com/ph/ or check out OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. To get the best care for your OPPO devices, visit your nearest OPPO Care Center or contact us on our website, via Facebook.
To welcome the Year of the “Rappit,” your dependable online grocery store is offering a host of exciting deals and offers this Chinese New Year to reward customers for their loyalty to the platform.
Rappit ushers in fortune and luck with a Chinese New Year Sale from January 13 to 22, where you can enjoy discounts of up to 20% OFF on grocery favorites!
On top of that, don’t miss out on the incredible flash sales, with discounts of over 50% OFF on select items: Del Fabric 1L (for only P75 on January 17), Kojiesan Skin Lightening Soap Classic 65g (3 packs) (for only P35 on January 31).
Rappit also has a Piso Sale where you can take home select items for an incredibly low price of P1! This includes Safeguard Soap Ivory White 60g (on January 18), Indomie Mi Goreng Fried Noodles 85g (on January 23), and Tang Orange 20g (on January 25).
For more savings and fortune, you can enjoy the JANMAYER voucher only offered this January: get P200 OFF + FREE DELIVERY, and this offer is yours when you shop with a minimum spend of P3,500.
“We hope these offers will help our customers get savings as they shop for their Chinese New Year celebrations. We are committed to being their go-to grocery sidekick and ensure that they are rewarded for their loyalty to our platform,” said Cindy Toh, CEO of Rappit.
Whether you’re looking to buy gifts that bring good luck such as Tikoy for your friends and loved ones this Chinese New Year or stock up on your daily grocery must-haves, this is the perfect opportunity to save money while you shop and Rappit is your ultimate sidekick.
Rappit is a collaboration between the Puregold Group and Globe’s 917Ventures Learn more by visiting https://rappit.ph/.
Friends and families can also have a fun-time taking photos and get in the festive mood with SM City Marilao’s Chinese New Year centerpiece and get helpful tips on love, wealth, health and career with the Zodiac Forecast Panels.
Lunar New Year celebration at the SM City Marilao comes alive with fascinating Chinese cultural performances, festive activities, surprising events, and attractions for the mall goers to enjoy.
Because Chinese New Year will always be about family dining and spending time together, participating food tenants and restaurants will be offering exclusive group dining and meal bundles for family and friends with Lucky Feast Deals. Guest can savor and enjoy delightful fare, beverages and treats inspired by Chinese culture from festive food stalls until January 22. Popular Chinese treats like tikoy, hopia and kiat-kiat will be offered at SM Hypermarket for shoppers to enjoy a year of abundance and prosperity.
Shoppers may also enhance their luck for 2023 with Chinese lucky lantern and charms available at The SM Store. Likewise, friends and families can also have a fun-time taking photos and get in the festive mood with SM City Marilao’s Chinese New Year centerpiece and get helpful tips on love, wealth, health and career with the Zodiac Forecast Panels.
Get lucky and have fun-time taking photos at SM City Marilao’s Year of the Water Rabbit centerpiece. The instagram worthy spot comes alive with Zodiac Forecast Panels. Lunar New Year celebration in SM will be filled with array of exciting unique activities and events for a prosperous Year of Water Rabbit festivities.
As a special treat for the Year of the Water Rabbit, talented performers will bring dance, martial arts and drumming to enhance the beautiful colorful procession Dragon and Lion Dance. Don’t miss to watch this time-honored prosperity dance as they grace their way into every corner of the mall on January 22.
It is bound to be a Chinese New Year blast at SM City Marilao. Embrace the good fortune the Year of the Mouse brings! Visit us today!
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – Ten international organizations were named winners of the prestigious US$3 million 2023 Zayed Sustainability Prize during the awards ceremony held yesterday (Monday), coinciding with the beginning of the 2023 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).
The US$3 million Prize is the UAE’s pioneering global award in sustainability that recognises and rewards small and medium-sized enterprises, nonprofit organisations and high schools around the world that are delivering impactful, innovative and inspiring solutions in health, food, energy and water.
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, President of the UAE, presented the awards to the 10 winners across five categories, in the presence of various heads of state, ministers, and other senior-level dignitaries from the UAE and abroad, in addition to past winners, and the 2023 finalists.
Attending the ceremony were H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Court; Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; along with a number of Sheikhs and senior officials.
In congratulating the winners, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed reasserted the Prize’s role as a global catalyst for sustainability and humanitarian action. He said: “The UAE continues to lead on important global initiatives at the heart of our mission to create a better future for all, both within the UAE and beyond our nation’s borders. The bold ambition of the Zayed Sustainability Prize remains at the forefront of these efforts. It creates a pathway for delivering life-changing humanitarian aid and solutions to communities around the world.”
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan underscored how this year, which marks 15 years of the Prize, will also be a historic year for the UAE as it prepares to host the 28th session of the Conference of Parties (COP 28) to the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change). Against this backdrop, this year’s awards serve as an important reminder of the need for greater international collaboration to mobilise climate action and create sustainable economic and social development opportunities across all nations, including the global south.
His Highness continued: “Over the last 15 years, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has successfully built upon the legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed, and carried forward his bold humanitarian vision, ensuring that the resources of our great nation are fully used to the benefit of all people. Today, the Zayed Sustainability Prize stands an internationally recognised award that mobilises innovators, social entrepreneurs and young people to accelerate positive change for our planet and all people.”
Through its 96 former winners, the Prize has transformed the lives of more than 378 million people around the world since 2008, including in Vietnam, Nepal, Sudan, Ethiopia, Maldives and Tuvalu. In the Health, Food, Energy, and Water categories, each winner receives US$600,000, while the Global High Schools category has six winners, representing six world regions, with each winner receiving up to US$100,000.
His Highness also emphasised the need to develop bright young people into the critical thinkers and sustainability leaders of tomorrow, and praised the Prize’s Global High Schools category, which empowers youth to play an active role in supporting their communities’ socio-economic development.
In the Health category, Brazil’s Associação Expedicionários da Saúde (EDS) was awarded the Prize for its Mobile Hospital Complex, which provides specialised medical and surgical care for indigenous communities geographically isolated within the Amazon. The objective of the Mobile Hospital Complex is to reach the most difficult areas in the Amazon, guaranteeing the safety and comfort of patients and excellence in the quality of services provided. Over the course of six expeditions from 2015 – 2022, the nonprofit organisation performed more than 1,900 surgeries that improved health outcomes, including improved vision after cataract surgery.
Ÿnsect from France was the Food category winner for its important work in insect-based protein and natural fertilisers. The SME produces insect protein and natural insect fertilisers at Europe’s first-of-its-kind insect factory equipped with innovative vertical farming and integrated biorefining setup. Ÿnsect processes two insect species (molitor and buffalo mealworms) into high-end, high-value ingredients for the entire food chain—plants, fish, farmed animals, pets, and humans. Ÿnsect is currently building a new factory in France and operates two other sites in France and the Netherlands. By 2025, Ÿnsect will be able to produce more than 1,500 tonnes of protein per month.
In the past five years, Ÿnsect has improved the lives of 30 million people by delivering sustainable, natural, premium nutrition products for fish farming (as an alternative fish feed to meet aquaculture’s food supply needs) and human nutrition. The demo plant currently operated by the company produces 30 tonnes of protein production per month.
In the Energy category, the Jordan-based NeuroTech developed Al-based algorithms with a blockchain-based transaction system to bring reliable energy access to refugee camps. The SME employs the concept of energy sharing by separating electrical loads into low- and high-priority streams. Thus, beneficiaries are guaranteed to receive their lifesaving energy, and extra energy goes to low-priority feeders, according to energy availability. Sophisticated energy management and control reduces electricity stress and increases consumer awareness about electricity.
During its pilot phase, NeuroTech helped deliver electrical power to more than 10,000 Syrian refugees in Azraq. By optimising energy usage and distribution, NeuroTech has helped reduce the pressure on the camp’s main hospital respiratory section by making electricity available 24/7. Patients now can use a personal nebulizer, a medical device used during the COVID-19 pandemic, and for people with a chronic breathing illness.
LEDARS (Local Environment Development and Agricultural Research Society), an NPO from Bangladesh, secured the Water category win for its integrated water resource management model that solves water scarcity issues in disaster-prone areas. Their combination of technologies help transforms communities in Bangladesh so people can have access to safe drinking water and climate smart livelihoods.
With the support of LEDARS, 5,250 bio-sands-filters, 65 pond-sand-filters, 185 rainwater harvesting systems, and 69 protective ponds were installed in communities in Bangladesh, supporting cultivation of paddies and vegetables throughout the year on lands that were previously barren. LEDARS initiatives created access to safe drinking water for at least 15,881 families. As a result of this solution, more than 12 million gallons of water have been saved.
The Chair of the Jury and former President of the Republic of Iceland, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, said: “This year’s winners have demonstrated a new level of creativity and ambition in their solutions to tackle pressing global challenges. We are confident that these winners will provide meaningful and scalable impact in communities across the world, and in turn accelerate important climate action goals to help secure a sustainable future for all.”
H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize said: “Since our nation’s wise leadership established the Zayed Sustainability Prize 15 years ago, the Prize has become a key supporter of the UAE’s vision to drive inclusive climate action and international sustainable development. By providing real-world solutions in sustainability to vulnerable communities around the world, the Prize honours Sheikh Zayed’s contribution towards social good and elevates humanity on a global scale.
“Our 106 winners are driving action to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. Through their commitment to championing positive action, millions of people who were living without access to energy, water, healthcare, or food in the developing world, now have sustainable economic and social development opportunities, including access to quality education, decent work, economic growth and improved livelihoods.”
H.E. Al Jaber added: “As the UAE prepares to host COP28 later this year, the Zayed Sustainability Prize stands as a critical reminder of the UAE’s commitment to accelerating practical solutions needed to help societies mitigate and adapt to climate change.”
Since 2013, the Prize has awarded 46 high schools under its Global High Schools category from countries around the world. Students at these schools won for their self-led project proposals that have since been implemented by the youth. Collectively, they have generated 7.2 million kWh of electricity, saved 5,700 tons of CO2 and positively impacted 427,408 people in their communities.
The recipients of the 2023 Global High School awards are Fundacion Bios Terrae – ICAM Ubate (Colombia), representing The Americas; Romain-Rolland-Gymnasium (Germany), representing Europe & Central Asia; Gifted Students School (Iraq), representing the Middle East & North Africa region; UWC East Africa – Arusha Campus (Tanzania), representing Sub-Saharan Africa; Dhaka Residential Model College (Bangladesh), representing South Asia, and finally, Kamil Muslim College (Fiji) from the East Asia & Pacific region.
The winners were selected from a pool of 4,538 – a record number of submissions – chosen by a panel of more than 40 experts. The Jury members include H.E. Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, Former President of the Republic of Iceland, UAE ministers, Sir Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Group, Dr. Andreas Jacobs, Chairman of INSEAD, Jacobs Family Council, among others.
Jarlo Base
