Applications for the 4th Cycle of the Shanghai Award open until 25 June 2026
Eligibility
The Shanghai Award specifically targets cities and is open to all cities and municipalities worldwide, regardless of size or region. It assesses a city’s overall progress and achievements towards sustainable urban development – not single projects.
Each city is allowed to submit only one application per cycle. The application includes two approaches: self-application and application with nomination.
Echoing the themes of World Cities Day 2026 and World Habitat Day 2026, in alignment with UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2026-2029, and in response to the emerging priorities in international urban sustainable development, cities that have made significant progress in one or more of the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply to the 4th cycle:
- Area 1: Adequate Housing for Diverse Needs
- Area 2: Promoting Urban Regeneration for Human Settlements Improvement
- Area 3: Building Resilient Infrastructure Responding to Climate Change
- Area 4: Encouraging Multi-Stakeholder Participation to Strengthen Urban Governance
Frequently Asked Questions
The Shanghai Award is open to cities and municipalities worldwide. We welcome applications of cities from all regions that are advancing sustainable, inclusive and resilient urban development.
The call for applications for the fourth cycle of the Award has been extended until 25 June 2026 at 23:59 EAT.
The general theme of the Award is “Building a Sustainable Urban Future for All”.
Echoing the themes of World Cities Day 2026 and World Habitat Day 2026, in alignment with UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2026-2029, and in response to the emerging priorities in international urban sustainable development, the focus areas for the 4th cycle of the Award are:
- Area 1: Adequate Housing for Diverse Needs
- Area 2: Promoting Urban Regeneration for Human Settlements Improvement
- Area 3: Building Resilient Infrastructure Responding to Climate Change
- Area 4: Encouraging Multi-Stakeholder Participation to Strengthen Urban Governance
Winners will be presented with a plaque and a trophy during the Award Ceremony at a major international event (e.g. Global Observance of World Cities Day). The outstanding practices and achievements in sustainable urban development from the winning cities will be added to the best practices database of the New Urban Agenda (NUA) platform and the Shanghai Manual. The winning cities will also be invited to attend important international events such as the World Urban Forum and Observance of World Cities Day, among others, gaining opportunities to exchange best practices with other cities, boost tourism and potential investment, and create new opportunities for local economic development.
Applicant cities must complete and submit the Application Form via the online application portal on the award website where supporting materials can also be uploaded.
The application includes two approaches: self-application and application with nomination. If a city decides to submit self-application, the city will need to submit an official Application Letter to confirm that the city will participate in the evaluation and selection for Shanghai Award. If a city decides to adopt application with nomination, the applicant will need to submit a nomination letter from eligible nominating entities: Member States of the United Nations (UN), UN agencies other than UN-Habitat, organizations and institutions that have consultative status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) or that have been specially invited by UN-Habitat. An official Nomination Letter and a Confirmation Letter by the city/municipality are required.
Only one application per city will be accepted in each award cycle. Multiple submissions from the same city within the same cycle will not be considered.
Please contact the task force at outreach@shanghaiaward.org for assistance.
You are encouraged to provide supporting materials with your submission, for example, photographs, videos, media reports, promotional materials, procedural documents, supporting bylaws or city regulations and policies (brief), or working standards, etc. The above-mentioned materials are not compulsory but will help strengthen your application. Shortlisted cities will be required to submit video materials for international jury review.
Currently only English is accepted for filling out the application form. For other supporting materials, it is recommended that they are translated into English to help the international jury better understand the content.
It is recommended that you submit all materials before the deadline. You may not add materials after the application closes.
More questions?
Read the Application Rules and Guidelines, or contact Shanghai Award Task Force at outreach@shanghaiaward.org.