On November 9th, the Nobel Sustainability Development Foundation announced in Munich, Germany, that the 2023 Sustainable Development Special Contribution Award would be conferred upon Zeng Yuqun, the Chairman of CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited), Board Chairman of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and a 1989 alumnus of the School of Naval Architecture, Ocean, and Civil Engineering. This award recognizes his outstanding contributions to advancing global electrification of transportation and the energy revolution.

In a video statement, Zeng Yuqun expressed his great honor at receiving the Nobel Sustainability Development Foundation's Sustainable Development Special Contribution Award. He sees this recognition as a tribute to CATL's leadership in battery technology and acknowledgment of their efforts in accelerating the global energy transition. Since its establishment in 2011, CATL has consistently driven the global adoption of high-quality energy technologies through technological innovation, developing cutting-edge products and solutions. Zeng Yuqun emphasized their commitment to contributing even more to sustainable development in collaboration with various sectors of society in the future, stating, "We look forward to making greater contributions to sustainable development together with all sectors of society."

Nobel Sustainability Development Foundation President Peter Nobel stated that the future of humanity and our existence largely depends on our ability to utilize Earth's resources and technological innovations in a sustainable manner. The foundation's goal is to inspire and mobilize individuals and organizations worldwide to develop sustainable technologies in critical resource areas such as energy, water, and agriculture. These efforts require significant intellectual engagement and financial support.

Alongside Zeng Yuqun, another recipient of the award is John Kerry, the United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate and former Secretary of State. John Kerry played a crucial role in the negotiations of the Paris Climate Agreement.

The Nobel Sustainability Development Foundation was originally established by the Nobel family in Zurich, Switzerland, in 2007, and it was formerly known as the Nobel Charitable Trust. The foundation encourages research, development, action, and implementation of sustainable solutions. It awards the Sustainable Development Prize to individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to sustainable development.