#South Korea #Seoul #Sustainable Development #Urban Innovation #Guangzhou Award

The 7th Guangzhou Award Open for Applications

On September 29, 2025, the 7th Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation was officially launched in Seoul, South Korea, during a pivotal meeting of the Metropolis Board of Directors that celebrated its 40th anniversary. This prestigious award aims to foster urban innovation and sustainable governance by showcasing successful initiatives from cities around the globe.

The event featured notable speakers, including Mr. Hu Hao, Vice Mayor of Guangzhou, who announced the commencement of the award's application process. Joining him were Mr. Jordi Vaquer, Secretary-General of Metropolis, and Ms. Emilia Saiz, Secretary-General of UCLG. Each of them emphasized the significance of the Guangzhou Award in aiding cities to share their innovative governance solutions and address pressing challenges such as climate change and social equity.

With a history that dates back to its first establishment in 2012, the Guangzhou Award has, over six editions, attracted contributions from over 1,600 initiatives across more than 100 countries. Its mission is clear: to promote sustainable urban development through recognition and dissemination of effective practices in governance.

During the launch ceremony, the collaborative spirit of urban leaders was palpable as distinguished guests, including representatives from UCLG and Metropolis, joined Mr. Hu on stage to publicly invoke a call for submissions to the award. This was symbolized by the unrolling of a scroll, marking the official initiation of the 7th Guangzhou Award.

The Guangzhou Award stands as a crucial platform for cities to exchange expertise, showcase their accomplishments, and learn from one another in the quest for sustainable development. The award not only highlights innovative urban policies and practices but also reinforces the global commitment to creating inclusive and resilient communities.

As urban centers continue to grapple with complex issues related to governance, the Guangzhou Award seeks to curate a repository of innovative solutions that can be shared and adapted across different contexts. By encouraging cities to submit their initiatives, the award seeks to build a collaborative network of urban innovators dedicated to improving life in cities worldwide.

Cities interested in participating can find detailed guidelines and updates for the 7th Guangzhou Award on the official website. The award's impact extends beyond mere recognition; it aims to strengthen ties among urban centers and foster a sense of shared purpose in addressing collective challenges, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Application considerations will be diverse, assessing factors such as the impact, sustainability, and transferability of initiatives. Each submission will be viewed as not only a step towards solving local problems but also as a contribution to a global movement aimed at fostering better urban governance practices.

With the countdown now on, city governments and local administrations are encouraged to think creatively and share their success stories. The open call for submissions represents an opportunity for cities to showcase their hard work and dedication to innovative governance models that lead to tangible results. Together, they can pave the way towards smarter, more sustainable urban environments.

Conclusion

The 7th Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation invites cities worldwide to engage in a collaborative dialogue about effective urban governance. By embracing innovation and sharing best practices, participating cities can tackle critical challenges and work towards a sustainable future. This is not just an award; it is a movement towards progress and compassion in urban spaces around the globe.