In a historic moment at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28, held in Dubai, the Kashmir Orphan Relief Trust (KORT) garnered global recognition by receiving the prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize. This esteemed accolade was presented by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, The President of the United Arab Emirates, in acknowledgment of KORT’s outstanding contributions as the Largest Orphanage in South Asia.
Kashmir Orphan Relief Trust (KORT) has been awarded the prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28, held in Dubai. This recognition is a testament to KORT’s unwavering commitment to providing orphaned children with holistic support, including education, boarding facilities, food, clothing, and medical care.
KORT is a non-profit organization based in Azad Kashmir and Swabi, Pakistan, that has been dedicated to providing orphaned children with holistic support since its inception. The organization’s commitment to sustainable education has earned them the title of Best Global School in South Asia. Their award-winning project, which focuses on water conservation and organic farming, was showcased at the UN climate conference in Dubai, triumphing over finalists from India and Bangladesh.
Sumaiya Bibi, a 19-year-old representative of KORT, highlighted the critical need for clean drinking water in Pakistan by 2025 and shared plans to establish water filtration plants and sensor taps in their school. This innovative approach to water conservation and organic farming has earned KORT global recognition and the prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize.
The prize money will be directed towards projects focusing on clean water and organic farming in rural areas, as outlined by Chaudhry Mohammed Akhtar, the Founding Chairman of KORT. The KORT School and College of Excellence, established in 2016 to support children orphaned in a devastating earthquake, now serves over 500 students.
The Zayed Sustainability Prize, launched in 2008, has recognized 106 winners globally, impacting the lives of more than 378 million people across 151 countries. This year’s 11 winners, across various categories, collectively share a prize fund of $3.6 million, showcasing the global impact of innovative solutions.
In a monumental acknowledgment of KORT’s efforts, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, The President of the United Arab Emirates, personally presented the Zayed Sustainability Prize to the two students. The recognition was not just for being the best global high school in South Asia but also for the outstanding contributions KORT has made towards sustainable practices.
This accolade aligns seamlessly with the broader societal goal of ensuring a better future for orphans globally. KORT’s presence at COP28 transcends its commitment to the welfare of orphaned children; it positions them as global leaders in the pursuit of sustainability and positive change.
Operating in a region marked by adversity, KORT’s dedication to addressing the unique challenges faced by orphans has not gone unnoticed. The Zayed Sustainability Prize serves as a testament to the organization’s relentless pursuit of sustainable practices and its impact on the lives of those it serves.
KORT’s recognition at COP28 underscores the vital role non-profit organizations play in shaping a more sustainable and compassionate world. The Zayed Sustainability Prize is not just an award; it’s a symbol of hope and a catalyst for positive change in the lives of the children under KORT’s care.
