(MENAFN- Mid-East.Info) The senior winning Student to get a chance to compete internationally and win US$15,000 The Primary and Middle schools winners to get AED 3,000
The 3rd edition of the RE-NEW Our WORLD Student Water Innovation Challenge, the biggest competition in the UAE inviting the youth to solve water related issues, will open registrations on January 12th under the patronage of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. It offers primary and secondary students across the country the opportunity to showcase their talent and be at the forefront of water innovation on the international scene. The RE-NEW Our WORLD Challenge is the gateway for students to enter their innovative water projects, have the chance to win the national challenge, and represent the UAE at the international final of the distinguished Stockholm Junior Water Prize (SJWP) held in Sweden.
Organised in partnership by two renowned non-profit environmental organisations, Emirates Environmental Group and Water Alliance Association, the 2023 edition will run from January till June 2023. The first phase of the challenge includes a series of online talks aimed at inspiring the participating students to use their creativity and problem-solving skills to ideate an innovative solution tackling a local or global water challenge of their choice. After submitting their innovative water solutions, selected finalists will be offered mentoring sessions by professionals from leading organisations in the water industry. Winners will be announced at an Award Ceremony held in Dubai, marking World Environment Day on June the 5th.
His Excellency Eng. Sharif Al-Olama, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure for the Energy and Petroleum Sector, said:“The 'Renew Our World' initiative is a challenge that embodies the wise leadership's directions in empowering youth, especially students of all ages, and supporting their role in society and their contributions to continue the path of development and prosperity. It also helps empower them and promote a culture of innovation, creativity, and excellence among this ambitious generation, and such qualitative initiatives are capable of creating a generation that is armed with responsibility and ambition.”
His Excellency continued:“Investing in the capabilities and energies of young people by involving them in developing innovative concepts and solutions to various challenges, especially those related to the energy, infrastructure and water sectors, supports the march of Emirati achievements within the fifty goals, the vision of 'We the UAE 2031' and 'The UAE Centennial 2071'.”
EEG Co-Founder and Chairperson, Mrs. Habiba Al Mar'ashi expressed that“Forging partnerships and spearheading a unified approach is one of the most essential and pivotal aspects to solving global sustainability issues. When it comes to inspiring the youth, instilling a sense of innovative wonder, and encouraging the development of their leadership skills; it is imperative that we work together to provide them with the key knowledge and platform for them to shine. Thus, it is truly delightful to start this year by establishing new partnership with other like-minded organisations and key stakeholders.”
Linda Merieau, Water Alliance Executive Director, highlights“The aim of this initiative is to inspire and empower school students in the UAE to become the architects of their own future landscape as sustainable innovators and global citizens starting with water. It's an honour for our organisation to partner with distinguished institutions and key players to amplify the impact of this year's RE-NEW Our World Challenge.”
Launched by Water Alliance in 2021, the“RE-NEW Our WORLD” Challenge has grown year on year enabling students to explore science and innovation to address global sustainability challenges. The Challenge motivates the next generation of leaders and change makers in the UAE to place the spotlight on water, advance a sustainable mind-set and help ensure water conservation efforts take root locally.
School students can register individually, or as a two-member team, and based on their age; Junior (8-11), Middle (12-14) and Senior (15-18) categories. The Challenge invites Senior category students to submit the result of a school water research project in a field of their choice: technology, social or applied sciences. The winner(s) will become the UAE finalist(s) at the Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition. The overall international winner receives US$15,000 and a crystal sculpture presented by HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden.
Junior and Middle category participants are invited to ideate and submit an innovative concept that could be a product, an improved process or a service. Concepts should solve a local or global water issue related to water access, water pollution, or water availability. First place winners in the Junior and Middle categories will receive a 3,000 AED cash prize for their school to invest in a water project benefiting the entire community.
The RE-NEW our World Challenge serves as a platform rallying different sectors of society working towards the national Water Security Strategy 2036 and the Global Goals by focusing on water innovation and the youth. The 2023 edition has received the support of corporate partners Xylem and Axis Communications at platinum level, Droople and No More Bottles at silver level and KPS at bronze level.
Emirates Environmental Group (EEG (, is a professional working group established in 1991 in the United Arab Emirates. It is devoted to protecting the environment through the means of education, action programmes and community involvement. EEG is actively encouraged and supported by concerned local and federal government agencies. It is the first environmental NGO in the world to be ISO 14001 certified and the only organisation of its kind in the UAE with accredited status to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). EEG is a member of the UN Global Compact, the Global Urban Development (GUD) and the Global Investors for Sustainable Alliance (GISD). It is also a member of the One Planet Network under the programme of Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) and its Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Committee (MAC) and Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML), EEG is a full Member (voting) of World Packaging Organisation (WPO).