Nominations for the next edition of the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity are now open until 30 January 2026. The annual €1 million annual award, one of the largest in sustainable development, recognises extraordinary leadership and proven achievements, supporting winners to scale their vital work.

Chaired by Angela Merkel, the independent Jury assess nominations from across the globe, from any individual, organisation or group making a significant contribution to tackling climate change for the benefit of people and the planet.

The Jury is comprised of internationally renowned experts in climate science and earth systems, climate justice and human rights; innovation and technology; and diplomacy, governance and politics, including Runa Khan, founder of this year’s Earthshot Prize winner Friendship.

Since the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation launched the Prize in 2020, €6 million has been disbursed to pioneering initiatives and individuals who are delivering transformative work for climate, nature and communities. Winners are using the funding to restore and advocate for the protection of critical ecosystems, catalyse global climate policy and legal change, scale regenerative agriculture practices, accelerate the green transition, and support communities most exposed to the impacts of climate change.

In 2025, the Prize was awarded to the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC) for its multilateral work bringing together members from more than 10 countries to protect one of the world’s most climate sensitive regions.

António Feijó, President of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, said: “We know that the answers to climate change and a more sustainable, fairer future already exist – the previous Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity winners are proof of this. The Prize celebrates exemplary leadership from all across the globe and is a reminder that climate action is about people, as well as the planet.”

The Prize will be presented at COP30 in Brazil this week alongside other climate action initiatives of the Foundation. Watch to hear the inspiring story from previous winner, Lélia Wanick Salgado, whose organisation has restored huge areas of the Atlantic Forest and scaled their work since receiving the Prize. Prize Jury member and globally renowned climate scientist Professor Johan Rockström will also present a speech on the need to safeguard our planet and accelerate action in the next few critical years. The event will take place on November 18  and will be livestreamed from the Portuguese government’s at 20:00 Lisbon/UTC+1 or 17:00 Brazil.

The Prize is a flagship initiative of the Foundation and a manifestation of its commitment to sustainability and equity. As one of the largest European foundations, in addition to the Prize it contributes to environmental sustainability and the reduction of inequality through grant-making programmes, a broad cultural programme and a sustainable investment portfolio.

How to submit a nomination

Any individual, organisation, or group making a significant contribution to tackling climate change for the benefit of people and the planet are eligible for the Prize. 

Winners are chosen for their proven achievements and inspirational leadership, as well as their potential for wider transformative impact, and relevance to the most pressing challenges posed by climate change to people and the planet.

Nominations must be submitted by a third-party nominator and are open until 30 January 2025, 17:00 GMT. The winner will be announced later in 2026 via a ceremony at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon, Portugal.