Nominations for the 5th edition of the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity are now open. Offering an award of 1 million euros, the Prize recognises individuals, organisations and groups leading society’s efforts to tackle the single biggest challenge facing humanity today: climate change. The Prize highlights outstanding contributions to climate action and climate solutions that inspire hope.

Since its inception, the Prize jury has awarded 4 million euros to different approaches to tackling climate change, including youth mobilisation, coalition building, development of local solutions, scientific research and leadership in ecosystem restoration. The independent jury is composed of personalities of internationally recognised reputations in scientific, technological, political and cultural realms.

Dr. Angela Merkel, President of the Jury: “The Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity honours individuals and organisations taking exemplary action with regard to climate change mitigation.  It reminds us that people must always be at the heart of any effort to tackle the effects of climate change.  The Prize sum enables the support and advancement of innovative solutions and ideas in this sphere.”

The Prize supports scalable solutions that will have real impact for communities and for advancing national and global climate goals. The funding has also been used to strengthen communities facing the effects of climate change, helping them adapt and build resilience.

Runa Khan, jury member and Founder of Friendship NGO, said: “The Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity celebrates the indomitable spirit of those who strive for a better world. It honours visionaries whose compassion, innovation, and dedication inspire us all to build a brighter future. In recognising their exceptional contributions to humanity, we acknowledge the transformative power of empathy and action.”

Previous winners include Greta Thunberg in 2020; the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy in 2021; the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The most recent edition split the €1 million award between three individuals pioneering ecosystem restoration efforts in the Global South – Bandi “Apai Janggut”, customary community leader (Indonesia), Cécile Bibiane Ndjebet, campaigner and agronomist (Cameroon) and Lélia Wanick Salgado, environmentalist, designer and scenographer (Brazil).

Martin Essayan, Trustee of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, said: “We know that many of the solutions to a fairer, sustainable future are already out there. In this edition of the Prize, we hope to see applications from across the globe that reflect the ingenuity and passion of people working on climate solutions for the benefit of our planet and communities.”

Any individual, organisation or group of people and organisations working on innovative climate solutions are eligible for the prize. Nominations are open until 2 February 2024, 5pm GMT. All nominations must come from a third party.