Expo Live supports global sustainability

The UAE has always been a strong supporter of sustainability and it is also one of its three key subthemes at the core of Expo 2020 Dubai. The World Expo's innovation and partnership programme Expo Live is already playing a crucial role in driving sustainability by providing funding, guidance and exposure to social innovators who are helping to improve lives, preserve the planet - or both.
Through initiatives such as Expo Live, Expo 2020's aims to bring the world together to create a positive impact by collectively working towards building a sustainable future in the UAE and beyond. By harnessing the convening power of a World Expo, Expo Live demonstrates how innovations coming from all places and people can advance the pace of progress, connecting minds to inspire a shift that results in a more sustainable future for all.
The Innovation Impact Grant Programme (IIGP) is Expo Live's flagship global initiative to fund and support novel and innovative prototype-level solutions that address at least one of Expo's three key subthemes. The eight global innovators - Coolar; Jaan Pakistan; Saathi Eco Innovations; Kabadiwalla Connect: The Plastic Bank; Unique Quality Products Enterprise; WooBox and Paptic - secured backing from Expo Live during the first three cycles of the IIGP. Working across a variety of sectors, these social entrepreneurs are developing creative solutions with the potential to help shape a more sustainable future.
To date, the programme has attracted 6,965 applications from 174 countries. Following the first three cycles of applications and rigorous evaluation, Expo Live committed its support to 70 Global Innovators from 42 countries. Applications for the IIGP's fourth cycle closed in December 2018, and the next cohort of grantees will be announced later this year. - sandhya@khaleejtimes.com