FUZHOU: Five cities from across the world have been recognised for their outstanding achievements in sustainable urban development at the Fourth Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities (Shanghai Award).
The awards were presented during the 2026 World Cities Day Global Main Event, which opened in Fuzhou, China, on Oct 31, bringing together city leaders, international organisations and urban development experts.
The five recipients are Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, Santiago de Cali in Colombia, Istanbul in Türkiye, Jingdezhen in China and Katowice in Poland.
This year, 92 cities from 34 countries submitted applications, with 15 shortlisted before the final selection.
Established in 2022 through cooperation between China and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), the Shanghai Award recognises cities making significant contributions to sustainable development.
Held under the theme “Enhancing Urban Renewal for a Better Living Environment”, this year’s event highlighted the importance of inclusive urban regeneration, sustainable planning and international cooperation in creating more liveable communities.
Jingdezhen deputy director of the Municipal Housing and Urban-Rural Development Bureau Ye Kai said the city was recognised for preserving its thousand-year tradition of handmade porcelain production while revitalising its industrial heritage.
He said the authorities viewed old neighbourhoods, kiln sites and factory buildings as valuable urban assets that could be restored and given renewed purpose.
“These old buildings are living textbooks that preserve the memories of generations of porcelain craftsmen,” he said, adding that the city adopted minimal intervention and small-scale renovations to retain its original urban character.
Meanwhile, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific executive secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana highlighted Fuzhou’s achievements in climate-resilient urban planning.
She said the city’s approach included community-led sustainable development, inclusive design and equitable access to public services, particularly for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and low-income groups.
Brunei Development Minister Juanda Abdul Rashid also stressed the importance of adequate and affordable housing, saying urban development must translate into better living conditions for communities.
UN-Habitat executive director Anacláudia Rossbach said housing challenges required comprehensive solutions involving land, infrastructure, essential services, public spaces and environmental sustainability.
She added that people-centred urban renewal could revitalise communities, improve living conditions, stimulate local economic growth and strengthen resilience against climate change.
The event also featured several initiatives to strengthen international cooperation, including the launch of a global photography campaign, the signing of a memorandum of understanding and the release of urban development reports.
