2025 Medals of Recognition for Outstanding Contribution to Sustainability

The Nobel Sustainability Trust (NST) is proud to announce two distinguished leaders to receive the 2025 Medal of Recognition for Outstanding Contribution to Sustainability. This prestigious medal honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment in advancing sustainable development, climate action, and environmental governance.

For 2025, the NST Board has unanimously decided to confer the medals upon:

His Excellency Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiya

Minister of Municipality, State of Qatar

His Excellency Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiya is honored for his outstanding leadership in strengthening Qatar’s commitment to sustainability through modern municipal services and pioneering waste management initiatives. Since his appointment as Minister of Municipality in January 2024, he has guided key reforms that enhance urban life, public services, and environmental stewardship in alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030. Under his leadership, the Ministry of Municipality has advanced integrated waste management systems, significantly expanding recycling and sustainable disposal methods. Qatar achieved a remarkable milestone during the FIFA World Cup 2022 and AFC Asian Cup 2023 by reaching a zero-waste rate in stadiums and fan zones, converting waste into clean energy and recyclable materials. His Excellency has also supported Qatar’s transition toward a circular economy, with initiatives that convert hundreds of thousands of tonnes of waste into energy, fertilizer, and reusable products each year. His achievements exemplify Qatar’s growing role as a regional leader in sustainability and reflect the values recognized by the Outstanding Contribution to Sustainability Medal.

Her Excellency Dr. Yasmine Fouad

Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

Dr. Yasmine Fouad is honored for her extraordinary contributions to environmental governance at both national and international levels. As Egypt’s Minister of Environment (2018–2025), she spearheaded groundbreaking reforms, including the introduction of Egypt’s Waste Management Law, the launch of the country’s first Waste-to-Energy strategy, and the improvement of air quality management in major cities. Under her leadership, Egypt issued the first sovereign green bond in the Middle East and North Africa, linking financial innovation with climate action.

Dr. Fouad has also made important scientific contributions, including her role as a lead author of the IPCC Special Report on Climate Change, Desertification, and Land Degradation. Her recent appointment as Executive Secretary of the UNCCD reflects global recognition of her leadership and her continued dedication to tackling some of the most pressing sustainability challenges of our time.

A Message from the NST Board

The Board of Directors of the Nobel Sustainability Trust emphasized that these two honorees embody the spirit of the medal: advancing sustainability not only through policy and innovation but also by inspiring collaboration across borders, industries, and generations.

NST Chairman Peter Nobel remarked:

“Sustainability is the greatest challenge of our era, but it is also our greatest opportunity. Both of the medal awardees have shown exceptional leadership in turning this vision into reality. Their achievements exemplify the values of innovation, cooperation, and responsibility that the Nobel Sustainability Trust seeks to honor.”

About the Nobel Sustainability Trust

Founded with the mission to promote sustainable innovation and global cooperation, the Nobel Sustainability Trust supports initiatives that drive meaningful progress in energy, environment, and resource management. Through its awards, programs, and partnerships, NST recognizes individuals and institutions whose work contributes to building a more sustainable and equitable future.

The official medal presentation ceremonies will take place later this year in Miami, bringing together leaders from around the world to celebrate these achievements and further the dialogue on sustainability.