Zayed Sustainability Prize Forum Highlights UAE-China Collaboration at BEYOND Expo 2025

The Zayed Sustainability Prize Forum, co-hosted by the Zayed Sustainability Prize and the Sino-International Entrepreneurs Federation (SIEF), was successfully held at The Venetian Hotel in Macao as part of BEYOND Expo 2025. Themed “Accelerating Impact: China’s Innovation for Global Sustainability,” the Forum convened over 300 C-suite executives, global sustainability experts, and innovative entrepreneurs to discuss transformative solutions to pressing global challenges.

“UAE-China collaboration extends far beyond trade, including energy, logistics, financial services, agriculture, tourism, and space.” H.E. Sheikh Saoud Al Mualla, Consul-General of the UAE in Hong Kong, stated at the forum, “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.”

Established in 2008 to honour the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has recognised 128 winners whose solutions have positively impacted over 400 million lives across six categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools.

“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,” said Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Director of the Zayed Sustainability Prize. “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 Forum featured a dynamic lineup of sessions with 22 global public and private sector leaders, including keynote speeches, a TEDx talk, panel discussions, and a fireside chat. It explored key topics such as impact investment, technology innovation, and youth education, and shared the stories of previous Prize winners.

William Wang, Chief Representative for Middle East & Africa of SIEF, said during his speech: “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 Sustainability Partner of BEYOND Expo, which attracted over 30,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors, the Zayed Sustainability Prize offered attendees opportunities to forge new partnerships and expand the reach of sustainable solutions across borders.