The nomination period for the 2025 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity is now open and runs until 31 January 2025. Worth one million euros, this Prize recognises people, organisations, and groups who are leading society’s efforts to tackle the greatest challenge facing humanity: climate change. 

Since its inception in 2020, the Prize has awarded five million euros to innovative leaders, groups, and organisations with an impact on climate action. The Prize supports scalable solutions that benefit communities worldwide, contributing to both national and international climate goals. 

Angela Merkel, President of the Jury, on the significance of the Prize: “With the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity we want to recognise those who are actively working to tackle climate change. The prize winners are role models and a source of inspiration for many. They provide hope and motivation by demonstrating that it is worthwhile to strive for a better and more sustainable future for our planet.”

The Prize tells a story of possibilities. While climate change is the greatest challenge we face, the Prize demonstrates that solutions exist, and that people are at the heart of these solutions. It also celebrates the efforts of individuals, networks, and organisations making significant strides to benefit people, nature, and the planet. From youth movements and scientific breakthroughs to local ecosystem restoration initiatives, the Prize focuses on tangible actions that inspire hope.

In 2024, the Prize was awarded to three global pioneers in sustainable agriculture: 

• Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (India), a pioneering programme that supports small farmers—predominantly women—in the transition to “natural farming.” 
• Rattan Lal (USA/India), a renowned scientist recognised for his groundbreaking, soil-centred approach to sustainable agriculture. 
• SEKEM (Egypt), celebrated for its biodynamic farming practices and its network, the Egyptian Biodynamic Association, which supports farmers in transitioning to regenerative agricultural practices. 

These examples reflect the Prize’s mission to empower those developing innovative, nature-based solutions that, beyond tackling climate change, enhance health, equity, and livelihoods, while restoring biodiversity. 

Past Prize winners include Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM), the IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services), the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), Bandi “Apai Janggut,” a community leader (Indonesia), Cécile Bibiane Ndjebet, activist and agronomist (Cameroon), and Lélia Wanick Salgado, environmentalist, designer, and scenographer (Brazil). 

António Feijó, President of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, emphasised: “As we face this critical decade for climate action, we know that many of the solutions we need already exist. The Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity celebrates the talent and creativity of individuals and organisations working tirelessly to implement these solutions and drive real change.”

The Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity is more than a prize; it is part of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation’s commitment to sustainability. The Foundation recognises the deep interconnection between people, nature, and climate and seeks to support initiatives that restore this balance.

How to submit a nomination 

Any individual, organisation, or group whose work offers scalable climate solutions is eligible for the Prize. Nominations must be submitted by a third-party nominator and are open until 31 January 2025, 17:00 GMT. 

An independent jury of internationally recognised experts in climate action, earth system science, and environmental justice will assess the nominations. The winner will be announced in July 2025 at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon, Portugal.