PRINCE ALBERT II OF MONACO FOUNDATION REVEALS ITS 2025 PLANETARY HEALTH AWARDS

In the presence of the Sovereign Prince, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation held its 18^th Planetary Health Awards Ceremony on Friday, 17 October 2025, at 116 Pall Mall in London.

Since 2008, the Foundation’s Awards pays tribute to leading individuals and organisations for their contribution to preserving our planet, in each of the Foundation’s three priority areas: awareness, science and innovation.


In his opening address, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco emphasised the role of science as a crucial and universal tool to face the current environmental challenges: “At a time when divisions deepen and uncertainty grows, science remains our only common language — our bridge to understanding, our foundation for cooperation, and our best hope for the future. That is why we will continue to amplify its voice, and to support those who enlighten us through their knowledge, creativity, and commitment.”

Highlighting the importance of collective action, the Sovereign added: “This mission requires alliances — between policymakers, entrepreneurs, scientists, journalists, artists and activists. Between generations, too: the experienced and the emerging talents we are bringing together through our ReGen Initiative. And, of course, with the outstanding laureates we are about to honour this evening.”


The 2025 Laureates


The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) in the Category Awareness

Established by the IFRS Foundation in 2021 and chaired by Emmanuel Faber, the ISSB has created a global baseline of sustainability disclosure standards. Its IFRS S1 and IFRS S2 Standards are reshaping corporate accountability by providing investors and regulators with transparent, comparable data on climate and sustainability risks. Backed internationally, the ISSB’s Standards help investor consider sustainability-related risks and opportunities as part of their financial decision-making.

“We express our gratitude to the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation for their recognition of the work of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) in enabling the disclosure of better information to capital markets about sustainability risks and opportunities, ultimately supporting better decision-making.” - Emmanuel Faber


Dr Gavin A. Schmidt in the Category Science

Born in the United Kingdom and based in New York, Dr Schmidt directs NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies. A leading climate modeller, he has authored over 170 scientific papers and developed tools that are now indispensable to understanding the trajectory of our planet’s climate. His efforts to make science accessible — through teaching, writing and public engagement — have shaped both policy and public awareness worldwide.

"It is immensely gratifying to have my work and outreach recognised by the Foundation as being vital for planetary health. This would not have been possible without the contributions from my many colleagues who have worked with me for decades to support and improve our scientific understanding around climate change." - Dr Schmidt


Ernst Götsch in the Category Innovation and Solutions

Swiss agronomist Ernst Götsch has pioneered “syntropic agriculture”, a regenerative approach inspired by the dynamics of natural forests. In Brazil, he transformed depleted farmland into thriving ecosystems, proving that farming can restore biodiversity, regenerate soils and provide abundant harvests without chemicals. His model is now inspiring farmers across continents.

“To have been honoured to receive the Planetary Health Award is a great encouragement to continue with even more energy what I began five decades ago, to develop and test the way we do agriculture and interact with life on our planet. Deep thanks. It is an opening of a window, a flash of hope, that one day, together, we will come to a reconciliation with our splendid, infinitively generous Mother Earth.” - Ernst Götsch


The three laureates then joined a panel discussion moderated by Lovelda Vincenzi, reflecting on the turning points that shaped their paths. Together, they called for continued cooperation across science, governance, and innovation to enable the transition towards a more resilient planet.

The awards ceremony rounded off an important day for the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, which had previously brought together its Board of Directors and its Branch Presidents for the traditional meetings of its governing bodies.