Karan Johar to Host First India Earthshot Prize

Mumbai will become the sixth host city for The Earthshot Prize, following previous ceremonies in London, Boston, Singapore, Cape Town and Rio de Janeiro.
India has already had a presence in the prize: Indian innovations have been recognised among The Earthshot Prize’s previous winners and finalists.
The London video meeting took place at a building overlooking Big Ben, beginning with Prince William joking that he and his team had “organised the sunshine” for Johar.
Johar brings hosting experience beyond filmmaking and television production: he is known for presenting the talk show “Koffee with Karan” and the Indian adaptation of “The Traitors.”
Prince William said the finalists’ successful solutions can inspire others and “accelerate change,” adding that he was proud to welcome the 15 finalists to the Earthshot Prize community and celebrate their stories in Mumbai.
Karan Johar will make history as the first Indian to host The Earthshot Prize Awards on November 17, 2026, when the ceremony comes to Mumbai for the first time. Mashable India reported that the filmmaker met Prince William in London to discuss the event, which recognizes 15 finalists competing across five environmental solution categories, with five winners each receiving £1 million to scale their work.
The awards ceremony will follow a two-day Earthshot Prize Summit designed to bring together innovators, leaders, businesses, investors, and communities to build partnerships. Mumbai becomes the sixth host city for the prize, following London, Boston, Singapore, Cape Town, and Rio de Janeiro, Peeping Moon noted.
India has already contributed to The Earthshot Prize's legacy. Indulge Express reported that Indian innovations have been recognized among the prize's previous winners and finalists. Johar said he felt proud to host the event and shine a spotlight on sustainability innovators working to solve the world's biggest environmental challenges.
During their meeting in London, Prince William and Johar discussed pressing environmental issues facing India. The two focused on inadequate rainfall patterns, the mounting pressures on farmers, and strain on water supplies. News9 Live reported that the conversation centered on treating water as a precious resource that demands urgent attention and innovation.
Prince William expressed optimism about the finalists' work. He said the solutions showcased by the 15 finalists prove that environmental progress is possible and can inspire others to "accelerate change" across the globe.
Karan Johar brings extensive hosting credentials beyond his acclaimed filmmaking career. He is well known for presenting the talk show "Koffee with Karan" and more recently for hosting the Indian adaptation of "The Traitors." These experiences have made him a natural choice to lead the Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony and engage with global environmental innovators.
The Earthshot Prize, founded by Prince William, recognizes breakthrough solutions across five key environmental categories. The 15 finalists represent innovative approaches to some of the world's toughest challenges. Each of the five winners will receive £1 million in funding to expand their work and create real-world impact at scale.
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