In a milestone event for Africa, Cape Town will host the renowned Earthshot Week starting Monday, 4 November, with the Prince of Wales set to attend The Earthshot Prize Awards on 6 November, reports Cape {town} Etc.
Also read: See what celebs are joining The Earthshot Prize in Cape Town
This year marks the first time the awards are held in Africa, following previous events in London, Boston and Singapore since the prize’s founding in 2020 by Prince William.
Earthshot Week aims to unite world leaders, environmentalists, entrepreneurs and young visionaries to discuss and explore solutions to the planet’s pressing climate issues.
Highlight events include Earthshot+, an innovation-focused day on 5 November, where Finalists will share pioneering ideas, and the highly anticipated Awards ceremony, set to recognise groundbreaking environmental solutions.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, expressed pride in hosting Earthshot Week, noting the City’s commitment to environmental resilience. ‘Cape Town is thrilled to host the historic Earthshot Week on African soil. We look forward to welcoming the Prince of Wales and celebrating this global milestone,’ said Hill-Lewis.
The City’s ongoing R120 billion infrastructure investment programme emphasises climate action, from green energy transitions to sustainable water management.
The awards ceremony on 6 November promises a stellar line-up, hosted by Billy Porter and South African television personality Bonang Matheba.
The Green Carpet event will stream live on YouTube, featuring musical acts including Grammy-nominated artist Davido, Tanzanian star Diamond Platnumz and South Africa’s beloved Ndlovu Youth Choir, among others.
High-profile guests, such as supermodel Heidi Klum and activist-actor Nina Dobrev, will present awards across the five Earthshot Prize categories.
In addition to the ceremony, Earthshot Week includes events designed to engage and inspire the community.
Green Riders, a 2024 Earthshot nominee, will lead a ‘Ride4Change’ micro-mobility event through Cape Town on 7 November, raising awareness for safer non-motorised transport.
Later that day, the National Geographic Society and Brand SA will host 100 local schoolchildren at the Two Oceans Aquarium, offering an afternoon of hands-on environmental learning and mentorship.
Earthshot Week will conclude on the evening of 7 November with a ‘Closing Jol,’ celebrating the finalists and supporters of the prize, which awards five winners with £1 million each to amplify their impactful projects.
With nearly 400 Africa-based nominees this year, the continent’s innovative contributions to climate solutions stand out on the global stage.
Notable African finalists include efforts from Kenya and Ghana, as well as Cape Town’s ABALOBI, a non-profit organisation empowering fishing communities with sustainable practices.
The Earthshot Prize’s impact to date has been immense, catalysing over £75 million in funding and benefiting millions through projects that restore land, conserve oceans and cut CO₂ emissions.
The world now watches as Cape Town takes centre stage, hosting an event dedicated to inspiring change, empowering communities and paving a sustainable future for generations to come.
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Picture: Kin Cheung – WPA Pool / Getty Images
