The 2nd Cycle Shanghai Award for Sustainable Development in Cities celebrated its winners in a prestigious ceremony held on 31 October 2024 at the Global Observance of World Cities Day in Alexandria, Egypt. The Shanghai Award, jointly established by UN-Habitat and Shanghai Municipality, has once again showcased the transformative efforts of cities worldwide in addressing urban challenges and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda (NUA).
The Shanghai Award 2024 honoured the cities of Agadir (Morocco) Thiruvananthapuram (India), Iztapalapa (Mexico), Melbourne (Australia), Doha (Qatar) for their remarkable progress in sustainable urban development. UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach presented the award to representatives of the winning cities.
Agadir was recognized for its achievements in improving urban infrastructure, implementing strategic initiatives, and enhancing urban sustainability through saving energy, conserving water, increasing the green space per capita ratio as well as cultural preservation and smart city technologies.
Iztapalapa, as the most populated city of Mexico Metropolitan Area, transformed the city through a holistic strategy combining innovative physical interventions and a vast range of social programs. Particularly important was the building of UTOPIAS (Transformation and Organization Units for Inclusion and Social Harmony), with an emphasis on gender- and youth-centered approach.
Melbourne is building an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future through impactful initiatives in renewable energy, biodiversity, and homelessness support. Tackling climate challenges, it shares successes globally, accelerating action towards the SDGs and putting equity and inclusion at the heart of its actions to ensure no one is left behind.
Doha was recognized for its achievements in urban development, economic diversification, and cultural preservation. The city achieved progress in healthcare, education, and social services, fostering a community that is inclusive, thriving and prepared for the future.
Thiruvananthapuram, the vibrant capital city of the southern state of Kerala in India, has been steadily making its mark as a hub of innovation, culture, and business. The city focuses on knowledge-driven economy, implemented smart environment information system, carbon free public transportation, gender equality, and differently abled friendly open spaces.
Recognition for the City of Alexandria
In a special presentation, the Executive Director of UN-Habitat awarded a certificate of recognition to the city of Alexandria, acknowledging its commitment in addressing urban climate challenges and its role in hosting World Cities Day 2024.
Launch of the Shanghai Manual 2024
The event also celebrated the launch of the Shanghai Manual 2024, a comprehensive guide to urban policies that align with the Sustainable Development Goals. Cases from Shanghai Award winning cities were included. Cities were encouraged to submit case studies for future editions, supporting a global exchange of best practices.
The Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities (Shanghai Award) is a global award established by UN-Habitat and Shanghai Municipality. The award is organized annually and open to cities worldwide to recognise and honour their progress and achievements in sustainable urban development and delivering SDGs at the local level. Stay tuned for the Call for Applications of the 3rd cycle in 2025.
Watch the award ceremony: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1b/k1bcftfslq