Zayed Future Energy Prize, an award for innovation in renewable energy and sustainability, has partnered with New York-based Green School Alliance (GSA), with the aim to strengthen submissions in the Global High Schools category for the 2014 edition of the prize.

The GSA is a global network uniquely created by schools for schools and is tasked with empowering K-12 (primary and secondary education) schools to lead the transformation to global environmental sustainability, said a statement.

Submissions for the sixth edition of the Prize opened on March 4 and will close on August 5. Winners will be announced at the Zayed Future Energy Prize awards ceremony scheduled for January 20, 2014, as part of the annual Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

According to the agreement, GSA will support the on-going communication and sustainability progress of submitting schools. In turn, Zayed Future Energy Prize will encourage Global High Schools Prize applicants, as well as previous winners and finalists, to join the GSA Network.

“The Global High Schools category underscores the mandate of the Prize, to encourage and reward sustainability practice among the next generation for the purpose of shaping a better future for all. Through this category, we hope to inspire and motivate students across the world to acquire a greater understanding of and involvement in renewable energy and sustainability efforts,” said Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, director general of the Zayed Future Energy Prize.

The Global High Schools prize awards $100,000 to one school from each of five geographic regions, the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania, based on proposals that address one or more of the sustainable energy for all targets.

“Sustainable solutions are fundamental to protecting our shared future. The GSA understands that we must support schools that are preparing the next generation for 21st century leadership,” said Margaret Watson, GSA’s founder and president.

“Through GSA’s partnership with the Zayed Future Energy Prize, schools worldwide can become part of a growing network, cooperating across boundaries to set and meet sustainability goals, share their best practices, and become global leaders in their own communities," she added. - TradeArabia News Service