Day: 27 January 2025

Prince Albert II of Monaco took center stage at the inaugural GAEA Awards Gala Dinner in Davos on 26th January, delivering an impassioned call to action on the importance of water preservation. The event, held as part of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, celebrated five trailblazing initiatives that are tackling the planet’s most urgent environmental challenges through innovation, collaboration, and systemic change.

Under the theme ‘Water: Weaver of Life’, the evening brought together global leaders to spotlight transformative partnerships addressing critical climate and nature issues. In his keynote address, Prince Albert II spoke about the need for bold, united efforts to protect the lifeblood of the planet. “It is now possible to act very concretely and very effectively to preserve this common heritage that is water. We can do this through actions that combine economic development, social progress, and the preservation of nature,” he said.

The Giving to Amplify Earth Action (GAEA) Awards, launched by the World Economic Forum in partnership with Kearney and other global experts, celebrated five initiatives chosen from more than 120 nominations. The winners were recognised for their groundbreaking approaches to advancing climate and nature goals, with projects ranging from sustainable agriculture to fossil-free steelmaking and renewable energy solutions.

Among the winners was Decarbonising Rice, which has transformed rice farming by dramatically cutting methane emissions and water usage while boosting yields. Built by Nature, another awardee, is redefining the construction industry by promoting sustainable timber materials to significantly reduce carbon emissions and protect forests. HYBRIT, a Swedish collaboration, is leading the charge in fossil-free steel production, setting a powerful example for industrial transformation on a global scale. The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) has mobilised over $1 billion to deliver renewable energy projects in 40 countries, reducing emissions and improving livelihoods. Meanwhile, the Youth Climate Justice Fund is empowering young leaders with funding for grassroots climate initiatives, expanding its support to hundreds of projects worldwide.

The awards jury, composed of leading figures in sustainability, including André Hoffmann and Johan Rockström, hailed the winners for their ability to drive systemic change. Speaking on behalf of the panel, Hoffmann said, “These partnerships stood out for their ability to mobilise multi-sector collaborators and integrate equity and inclusion into their work.”

The GAEA Awards aim to inspire further collaboration and innovation by showcasing what is possible when businesses, governments, and civil society work together to tackle global crises. Over the coming year, the winners will receive tailored support to expand their impact and accelerate solutions to the pressing environmental challenges they address.

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Main photo of Prince Albert II courtesy Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation