A WORLD IN BALANCE
Sustainability in Action for Generations to Come
Nobel Sustainability Trust
Human prosperity depends on the stability of the Earth system. Nobel Sustainability Trust advances scientifically credible sustainability solutions that strengthen the planet’s life-support systems while enabling sustainable economic development.
A World in Balance
Human civilization emerged during a period of remarkable planetary stability. The climate, oceans, ecosystems and landscapes of Earth formed a dynamic yet balanced system that
allowed societies to grow and flourish.
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Today this balance is under increasing pressure. Human activity has become a major force shaping the planet. The scale of industrial production, energy use, land transformation and resource extraction is now capable of altering the fundamental processes of the Earth system.
Understanding this reality requires a new perspective. The Earth cannot be viewed as a collection of isolated environmental challenges. It must be understood as a single, interconnected system in which climate, water, ecosystems, land and human societies continuously interact.
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Nobel Sustainability Trust is founded on this Earth system perspective. Inspired by insights from Earth System Science and the research tradition that developed concepts such as Planetary Boundaries, NST seeks to advance a deeper understanding of the relationship between humanity and the planet.
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Our guiding idea is simple yet profound: the long-term prosperity of human societies depends on the stability of the Earth system.
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A world in balance is therefore not only an environmental aspiration. It is the foundation for economic development, social stability and human well-being.
The Role of NST
Nobel Sustainability Trust (NST) is an independent non-profit foundation founded by members of the Nobel family to support the advancement of sustainability solutions that are ready to move from insight to implementation.
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Climate change, environmental degradation, and resource depletion are no longer abstract challenges. They are systemic risks with direct consequences for economic stability, social resilience, and long-term prosperity.
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Addressing these challenges requires more than ambition or vision alone. It requires scientifically validated solutions, practical implementation capacity, and coordinated action across sectors.
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NST exists to give a voice to the solutions capable of closing that gap.
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NST operates as an independent platform for identifying, signalling, and connecting sustainability solutions with the institutions and decision-makers capable of enabling their implementation.
Our Mission
NST advances sustainable economic growth that strengthens the planet’s life-support systems while enabling long-term human prosperity.
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NST identifies, recognizes, and elevates solutions that combine scientific credibility with real-world viability — solutions capable of being implemented, scaled, and sustained.
Our Focus
NST concentrates its efforts where progress is both urgent and achievable. We prioritize solutions that deliver measurable impact through:
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Climate action enabled by scalable, non-polluting, and renewable technologies that reduce emissions while supporting economic resilience.
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The transition to sustainable societies by supporting initiatives that strengthen governance, transparency, and long-term prosperity across sectors.
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The protection and restoration of life-sustaining ecosystems, ensuring development remains within the planet’s carrying capacity.
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From Recognition to Real-World Impact
To accelerate progress, NST supports the annual Sustainability Summit, the Sustainability Awards, and the Medal of Recognition.
These platforms function as strategic signals — identifying which solutions, leaders, and innovations are not only visionary, but ready to scale.
By bringing together science, leadership, and implementation expertise, NST helps move sustainability from recognition to action.
Global Alignment
NST aligns its work with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a shared global framework.
Within this framework, NST focuses on practical partnerships and solutions that deliver tangible outcomes in areas such as clean water, clean energy, climate resilience, and cross-sector collaboration.
Through its summits, awards, and global partnerships, NST connects solutions that matter with the institutions, decision-makers, and resources capable of enabling lasting change.
Together, we accelerate progress toward a world that thrives in balance with nature — and in step with human prosperity.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
In September 2015, the United Nations Summit on Sustainable Development was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The 193 Member States collectively agreed on "Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development."
The agreement includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 related targets.
In light of these global goals, our focus is on eradicating poverty and hunger, promoting economic growth and sustainability, advancing social progress, upholding equity and justice, and strengthening ecological civilization.
The Nobel Sustainability Trust (NST) is committed to advancing global sustainability by supporting initiatives that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals provide a shared blueprint for peace, prosperity, and a healthier planet for present and future generations.
At NST, we focus on practical solutions and partnerships that drive measurable impact. Our projects and collaborations address critical challenges, including:
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Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6): Developing and supporting innovative water purification and management systems.
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Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7): Promoting renewable energy solutions and energy efficiency to accelerate the global transition.
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Climate Action (SDG 13): Encouraging innovation and awareness to mitigate climate risks and build resilience.
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Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17): Building bridges between governments, academia, businesses, and civil society to scale solutions.
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Through our events, awards, and collaborative projects, NST strives to inspire action, highlight innovation, and recognize outstanding contributions to sustainability. By working in line with the SDGs, we reaffirm our commitment to a sustainable future where economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection go hand in hand.​
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Partners
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