Dubai, Expo City – In a poignant ceremony during COP28, Mary Zayed, named after the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the UAE, captivated attendees at the Zayed Sustainability Prize event. The ceremony, held at Expo City Dubai, marked a significant milestone as the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, welcomed Mary Zayed to the stage on Friday.
Amidst an emotionally charged atmosphere, Mary’s grandfather shared a touching narrative, recounting his humble origins in a region of Malawi where the dream of electricity seemed unattainable for years. The story took a somber turn as he reflected on the loss of his first child, a tragedy exacerbated by the lack of access to electricity during that period.
During a visit to a local hospital’s obstetrics department, the stark absence of basic amenities led to resorting to lighting fires for warmth. The turning point came when Malawi received the Zayed Sustainability Prize, heralding the establishment of a dedicated academy to expand solar energy across their community. This initiative played a crucial role during a significant moment in the grandfather’s life—the birth of his daughter’s first child.
Expressing profound gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the grandfather highlighted the transformative impact of the Prize on their lives. In recognition of this positive change and to honor Sheikh Zayed’s legacy, they named the child ‘Zayed,’ symbolizing a new era of hope and progress inspired by the visionary leader.
The Zayed Sustainability Prize ceremony at COP28 not only celebrated the accomplishments of Mary Zayed but also marked a new milestone with increased funding, underscoring the ongoing commitment to sustainable initiatives in the UAE. The heartwarming narrative of Mary Zayed serves as a testament to the far-reaching impact of sustainability efforts in fostering positive change and bringing hope to communities in need.
