The third cycle of the Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities (Shanghai Award) is now open for applications, with a deadline set for 10 June 2025. We invite eligible cities worldwide to apply.

Since the launch of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the world continues to face unprecedented challenges. In cooperation with its partners, UN-Habitat emphasizes the key role of cities in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Shanghai Award, jointly established by UN-Habitat and Shanghai Municipality, aims to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the New Urban Agenda (NUA) by focusing on SDG11, promoting the localization of SDGs, echoing the Global Development Initiative (GDI), and incentivizing cities to find systematic solutions for sustainable urban development. The award also serves as a platform for advancing UN-Habitat’s Strategic Plan, flagship programmes and the Global Urban Monitoring Framework.

The general theme of Shanghai Award is "Building a Sustainable Urban Future for All.” Aligned with the themes of World Cities Day 2025 and World Habitat Day 2025, and in response to emerging priorities in global sustainable urban development, the third cycle of the award encourages cities to showcase their progresses in the following key areas:

1) Adequate housing for diverse needs,

2) Building people-centered smart cities together,

3) Green & resilient development responding to climate change, and

4) Effective governance for vibrant cities.

To apply, visit the official Shanghai Award website, shanghaiaward.org. Application Rules and Guidelines, the application form, and other resources are available here .

An international jury will select winning cities based on the following criteria: impact, innovation, sustainability, and adaptability. The winning cities are planning to be honored at an award ceremony during the observance of World Cities Day 2025, with a certificate and a trophy. Their outstanding practices and achievements in sustainable urban development will be added to the best practices database of the New Urban Agenda platform and the Shanghai Manual 2025 annual report. Winning cities will also be invited to attend important international events to exchange knowledge and best practices, attract investment, and create new opportunities for local economic development.

For further information, please contact Shanghai Award Task Force at siqi.chen@un.org and outreach@shanghaiaward.org.

The Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities (Shanghai Award) was officially announced by the Executive Director of UN-Habitat at the first session of the 2022 UN-Habitat Executive Board. The first cycle award ceremony was co-organized by UN-Habitat and China in Shanghai, China in October 2023. The second cycle award ceremony was co-organized by UN-Habitat and Egypt in Alexandria city, Egypt in October 2024.

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