Prince William Unveils Sponsors For His Latest Environmental Initiative and Royal Fans Support Him
On Wednesday, the Duke of Cambridge announced that 14 brands will support and financially sponsor the Earthshot Prize finalists. Arup, Bloomberg L.P., Deloitte, Herbert Smith Freehills, Hitachi, Ingka Group (IKEA), Microsoft, The Multichoice Group, Natura & Co, Safaricom, Salesforce, Unilever, Vodacom, and Walmart are among the 14 sponsors of the Global Alliance.
The companies collectively employ 3.6 million people across five continents.
The prince founded the Earth Shot Prize to “incentivise change and help to repair our planet over the next ten years”.
William said in a statement that: “The Earth is at a tipping point and we face a stark choice: either we continue as we are and irreparably damage our planet, or we remember our unique power as human beings and our continual ability to lead, innovate and problem-solve.
“People can achieve great things. “The next ten years present us with one of our greatest tests – a decade of action to repair the Earth.”
Protect and Restore Nature, Clean Our Air, Revive Our Oceans, Build a Waste-Free World, and Fix Our Climate are the five categories on which the prize is centred.
The first five winners will be announced at the Alexandra Palace in London on October 17th.
The winners will receive a £1 million grant to work on their projects which highlight a greener future.
The winners will receive assistance and support from the 14 companies in addition to the award money.
The 15 finalists will receive “manufacturing, retail, supply chains, legal advice, digital technology, business strategy, and government relations,” as per a press release.
“With headquarters in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America, these companies are well-placed to support innovators around the globe.”
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge shared a post on their Instagram page on International Youth Day promoting the Earth shot Prize.
“Young people inspire us every day through their ingenuity to bring about change and their ability to generate collective action,” the caption read.
“That’s why this #InternationalYouthDay, through #GenerationEarthshot, we celebrate young peoples’ drive and passion to help solve the world’s biggest environmental challenges.”
Royal supporters were quick to comment, offering their support.
A person wrote, “Beautiful initiative, so meaningful!”
Another Instagram user commented, “What a wonderful job you’re doing. The world is proud of you.”
“This initiative will change the world!” a third said.