Applications open for Singapore’s World City Prize

The Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize, one of the first awards established to recognise cities’ transformative efforts, is open for nominations for its 2026 cycle.

Since its inception in 2010, the biennial award has stood out for its recognition of sustained holistic and sustainable urban transformation.

Jointly organised by Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority and the Centre for Liveable Cities, the Prize is named in honour of Singapore’s first prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, who was instrumental in transforming Singapore into a vibrant and liveable city.

“Despite advancements in human science and technology, many basic human needs remain unmet in cities, and social inequities continue to exist,” explained Dr Cheong Koon Hean, Chair of the Prize’s Nominating Committee. “Through a rigorous evaluation of cities, the Prize has identified exceptional cities that through visionary leadership, foresight, and unwavering commitment have developed innovative solutions to transform and improve the lives of their communities over a decade or more.”

Celebrating Mexico City and global achievements

The most recent Prize Laureate, Mexico City (awards ceremony pictured in main image), was commended for its rapid progress in addressing urban challenges within a short span of five years, while building upon earlier efforts. From innovative social programmes to cutting-edge transport solutions, the city has made significant strides in fostering inclusivity and sustainability.

Notable initiatives include the PILARES programme, through which 294 community centres provide education, skills training, and community bonding opportunities, with a strong focus on benefiting marginalised groups.

The Mexican capital has also tackled mobility challenges with the world’s longest cable car line and integrated payment systems across eight transit modes, improving accessibility for all citizens.

Reiterating the city’s continued push for progress when the city was awarded the Prize in May 2024, Mayor of Mexico City, Martí Batres Guadarrama said: “Winning this award drives us to continue the transformation we began six years ago to build a more just, inclusive, and sustainable city.”

Former Mayor of the city (and now President of Mexico) Dr Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo added: “This Prize consolidates our efforts and inspires us to further our vision of a resilient, innovative city.”

Alongside Mexico City, four others received Special Mentions for their best practices:

• Cape Town, South Africa: For its strategies to combat water scarcity and pandemics.
• Melbourne, Australia: For its urban spaces and enhanced liveability post-COVID-19.
• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: For providing pedestrian-friendly urban design and low-carbon solutions.
• Wellington, New Zealand: For its community-driven ecological restoration ensuring biodiversity alongside urban growth.

To date, a total of seven Laureates and 22 Special Mention cities have been honoured.

A pioneer in urban awards

The Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize distinguishes itself by recognising sustained, integrated efforts rather than isolated achievements. The prize also actively fosters a global exchange of ideas through the new Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize Network (LKYWCP Network) with its founding members being the seven Laureate cities: Bilbao (2010), New York (2012), Suzhou (2014), Medellin (2016), Seoul (2018), Vienna (2020) and Mexico City (2024).

The Network, unveiled at the World Cities Summit in June 2024, unites Laureate and Special Mention cities to collaborate on shared urban challenges such as affordable housing, environmental sustainability, and digital transformation.

Hugh Lim, Executive Director of the Centre for Liveable Cities, said: “Through a range of activities under the Network including sessions at the World Cities Summit, we will facilitate cities sharing their innovative urban solutions, challenges, and successes, thereby enhancing learning and adaptation of best practices among cities across the world.”

Multilateral efforts, such as sustainable urban rejuvenation projects, will be shared at future World Cities Summits.

“Having successfully implemented practical solutions to transform their cities, Laureate and Special Mention cities are a rich source of knowledge and experience in tackling a broad range of urban issues and challenges,” said Lim Eng Hwee, CEO of the Urban Redevelopment Authority. “We hope that the knowledge shared by the members of the Network and future collaborations will inspire more cities to strive towards creating more liveable, inclusive and sustainable communities around the world.”

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Applications for the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize 2026 cycle are open for nominations until 31 May 2025. Follow the Prize’s LinkedIn page to get the latest city trends and ideas.  

Brought to you in partnership with the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize