7th Guangzhou Award
The last session of the UCLG World Congress hosted the official announcement of the 15 shortlisted initiatives for the 7th Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation, recognising cities and territories developing creative responses to some of today’s most urgent urban challenges.
Jointly developed by Guangzhou, UCLG and Metropolis, the Guangzhou Award has become a platform for connecting local innovation with global networks. This year’s edition received a record 381 eligible initiatives from 248 cities in 60 countries, reflecting the growing role of cities in tackling climate change, inequality, sustainable development, digital transformation and inclusive governance.
Opening the session, UCLG Secretary General Emilia Saiz acknowledged the contribution of UCLG’s Chinese membership and the role of the Award in linking urban innovation with international cooperation. Lu Xiangdong, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, described the Award as a successful example of collaboration between Chinese cities and international partners, while Guangzhou Deputy Mayor Hao Hu welcomed the continued support of UCLG, Metropolis and member cities. Jordi Vaquer, Secretary General of Metropolis, highlighted the Award as an international reference for good practices and urban innovation, supported by a rigorous methodology. He thanked the hundreds of cities that give life to the Award and encouraged participants to consult its archive of initiatives.
The shortlisted initiatives were announced by Kobie Brand, Chair of the Technical Committee, who underlined the difficulty of selecting 15 finalists from hundreds of high-quality submissions. The final list reflects the diversity of urban innovation today: green mobility in Qingdao, ecological transition in Tianjin, renewable energy profit-sharing in Sinan County, AI-powered transparency in Chania, participatory migration governance in Neuquén, air quality management in Kampala, sustainable urban regeneration in Rabat and healthier food systems in São Paulo, among others.
In December, the 2026 Global Mayors’ Forum and the 7th Guangzhou Award Ceremony will be held in Guangzhou. The five winning initiatives will be officially announced and honoured at the Award Ceremony.
You can consult the shortlisted initiatives at: https://www.guangzhouaward.org/