
Greenpeace MENA and Ajman University are excited to announce the call for submissions for the “Wellbeing Economy Award” — 2024/2025. This Award is launched in partnership with Greenpeace MENA, Ajman University and the UAE Universities Climate Network (UCN). We collectively invite researchers, academics, professionals, and young visionaries to contribute innovative, ongoing or published research papers outlining wellbeing economy scenarios addressing the challenges and opportunities in the UAE’s and Gulf’s sustainable development journey.
Eligibility
This call for submissions is open to everyone based in the UAE, but we specifically encourage students and independent researchers affiliated with UAE organizations, including both undergraduate and graduate students. We welcome their valuable contributions to the Wellbeing Economy Award, which seeks innovative research papers that explore the Wellbeing economy in the context of the UAE, moving beyond GDP and addressing the challenges and opportunities in the country’s sustainable development journey.
Context
As the host country for COP28 and a regional model for innovation, the UAE offers a unique setting to explore alternative pathways for a sustainable future. The Wellbeing Economy Award highlights sustainable development practices and aims to engage stakeholders in envisioning a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient country.
Theme
Greenpeace MENA’s Wellbeing Economy campaign strives to advance an economic system which is designed to prioritize the dignity, health, happiness, and overall wellbeing of people and the planet, rather than merely focusing on making profits and calculating growth in the traditional way like GDP.
The aim is to create sustainable, equitable, and inclusive communities where resources are used efficiently, and everyone’s basic needs are met. This approach emphasizes environmental sustainability, social justice, and economic stability, recognizing that true prosperity comes from a balance between economic, social, and environmental goals. The ultimate objective is to create a society where individuals can thrive, communities are resilient, and the environment is preserved for future generations.
While we welcome both applied and theoretical research submissions for the Wellbeing Economy Award, we particularly encourage papers based on applied research grounded in secondary data or building upon already published or ongoing research papers. Applied research, utilizing existing data and practical insights, can offer valuable solutions to address real-time challenges. These papers will be instrumental in informing and providing policymakers with actionable and timely recommendations during COP30.
Whether you prefer working individually or in groups, we encourage all of you to participate. Your innovative ideas and insights can make a significant impact on the sustainable development journey of the UAE and inspire the Gulf and the MENA region.
Thematic Areas:
- Future of Economies: Redefine wellbeing and economic systems beyond GDP, focusing on holistic development and economic diversification.
- Drawbacks of Luxury as a Wellbeing indicator: Challenge the conventional notion of luxury as an indicator of wellbeing, promoting social connection and sustainability.
- Alternative Indicators to GDP: Explore alternative measures of prosperity that capture social inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and equitable resource distribution.
- Future of Energy: Transitioning to renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and sustainable energy systems to mitigate climate change and promote sustainable energy consumption in the UAE.
These thematic areas provide a framework for participants to focus their submissions on specific aspects of the UAE’s and Gulf countries’ sustainable development journey.
Submission Guidelines:
- Prepare detailed paper submissions in English or Arabic (900-1200 words) written in accessible language appealing to the general public and experts.
- Include a concise, relevant title that captures the essence of your submission.
- The summary (around 150 words) should highlight the problem addressed, its relevance, and key points of your alternative future scenario.
- Structure your submissions logically, with clear paragraphs focusing on single ideas or aspects of the scenario.
- Support your submissions with key data, evidence, and compelling arguments.
- Use APA format for citations and include a list of references for further reading.
Submission Process:
- Fill out this submission form
- Submit your paper in PDF format to [email protected] by February 28, 2025. Indicate the thematic area(s) your submission addresses. Include the email subject title: “Wellbeing Economy Award Submission”.
Review and Recognition:
Submitted papers will undergo rigorous review by a panel of esteemed experts. Selected submissions demonstrating vision and innovation will be recognized. Distinguished ideas will be showcased at the UCN event in Ajman University. Exceptional submissions may be featured in relevant publications and exhibitions, providing wider recognition for your contributions.
Award:
The award offered for submissions will be non-monetary in nature, aimed at recognizing and acknowledging the efforts of researchers. The award aims to create opportunities for researchers to showcase their work, connect with experts in their field, and forge valuable professional relationships. The Award Ceremony will be held in April 2025.
Selection Panel and Evaluation Methodology:
Phase 1: Selection by representatives from UCN, Ajman University and Greenpeace MENA.
The panel will assess submissions based on the below criteria:
- Overall Quality: Clarity of ideas, coherence of arguments, and depth of analysis.
- Innovation: Originality, creativity, and novelty of concepts.
- Likelihood of Implementation: Feasibility and practicality of proposed solutions.
- Relevance to the Call: Alignment with the project’s objectives and thematic areas.
Each factor will carry an equal weight of 25% in the overall evaluation process. The Ajman University and UCN team will ensure a thorough and comprehensive assessment of the submissions.
Phase 2: Selection by the Rest of the Evaluation Panel
Submissions that pass the initial evaluation will undergo further assessment by an evaluation panel, contributing diverse perspectives and expertise.
Timeline:
Call for Submissions: December 11, 2024 |
Submission Deadline: February 28, 2025 |
Announcing Accepted Submissions: March 31, 2025 |
UCN, Ajman University and Greenpeace MENA Awards Ceremony: April 11, 2025 |