Fifth Earthshot Ceremony: Prince William Honors Global Innovators in Rio de Janeiro Ahead of COP30 Summit

On November 5, 2025, Rio de Janeiro captured the global spotlight as it hosted the fifth annual Earthshot Prize ceremony. This prestigious event, spearheaded by the Heir to the Throne, Prince William, took place within the striking architecture of the Museum of Tomorrow. The ceremony served as a significant prelude to the Prince’s scheduled participation in the upcoming UN Climate Summit, COP30, set to convene in Belém, Brazil.

Prince William, who established the award through the Royal Foundation in 2020, emphasized that the optimism underpinning the initiative remains steadfast. He noted that the groundbreaking work of the laureates provides tangible proof that positive environmental change is achievable. Inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s original “Moonshot” goal, the Earthshot Prize is designed to identify and scale revolutionary ecological solutions throughout a decade-long marathon, which has now reached its halfway point. During the evening, five deserving winners were each awarded £1 million (equivalent to 1.3 million US dollars) to accelerate their vital projects.

The diverse group of recognized laureates showcased innovation across multiple sectors. Among them was the Brazilian startup re.green, which utilizes artificial intelligence to drive large-scale forest restoration efforts. The Colombian capital, Bogotá, was honored for its progressive clean air policies. The Bangladeshi non-profit organization Friendship received recognition for its crucial work helping vulnerable communities adapt to natural disasters.

Further winners included Lagos Fashion Week, celebrated for championing sustainable apparel production, and the UN High Seas Treaty, which aims to safeguard marine ecosystems situated beyond national jurisdictions. Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and a member of the Earthshot Prize Council, highlighted the critical role the award plays beyond mere recognition. She stressed that the prize functions as a powerful platform designed to connect innovators with essential investors, thereby ensuring that these crucial environmental solutions can be effectively scaled worldwide.

The ceremony itself was imbued with international star power and local flair. The rhythms of samba filled the Museum of Tomorrow as global artists took the stage. Performances included sets by Anitta, Gilberto Gil, Shawn Mendes, and Kylie Minogue. A highlight of the night was Seu Jorge’s rendition of David Bowie’s iconic song, “Heroes.” Brazilian television personality Luciano Huck hosted the glamorous evening. This visit marked Prince William’s first official trip to Latin America, a tour packed with engagements involving community leaders and conservation initiatives in Rio de Janeiro.

Prince William’s attendance at COP30, where he will represent his father, King Charles III, underscores the commitment and continuity of the British Royal Family to global conservation efforts. The upcoming summit in Belém, scheduled for the following week, provides a natural continuation of the Earthshot mission. The achievements demonstrated by the prize winners will serve as compelling, real-world examples for global policymakers gathering to discuss the planet's future.