Special Mentions
Every cycle, cities with outstanding urban initiatives are selected as Special Mentions to further the sharing of these lessons.
2024 Special Mentions
| 25 | Cape Town exemplifies resilience through agile governance, navigating crises for a sustainable future. |
| 24 | Melbourne epitomises resilience, innovation and liveability, even amidst pandemic challenges. |
| 23 | Rio de Janeiro revitalises its downtown and waterfront with innovative policies. |
| 22 | Wellington champions urban-nature harmony with citizen-led conservation. |
2020 Special Mentions
| 21 | Antwerp shows that its strategic urban interventions can help to rejuvenate the city. |
| 20 | Boston exemplifies a whole-of-society effort to transform the city. |
| 19 | Lisbon demonstrates a dramatic resurgence over the past decade despite limited resources. |
2018 Special Mentions
| 18 | Hamburg is an extraordinary port city that overcame planning challenges to become a welcoming city of opportunities. |
| 17 | Kazan is a former drab city with youth crimes and health issues transformed into a healthy and harmonious city. |
| 16 | Surabaya is an emerging city that appreciates its culture and preserves its kampung neighbourhoods. |
| 15 | Tokyo is a well-managed megacity despite its large and seemingly ungovernable size. |
2016 Special Mentions
| 14 | Auckland overcame planning challenges through a highly integrated and innovative governance model. |
| 13 | Sydney demonstrates strong leadership, commitment, and partnership with its citizens and stakeholders. |
| 12 | Toronto is exemplary in integrating its diverse population, and rejuvenating its city core. |
| 11 | Vienna takes the lead in protecting the environment and its rich cultural heritage while elevating quality of life. |
2014 Special Mentions
| 10 | Medellín significantly reduced its homicide rates over the past few decades. |
| 09 | Yokohama overcame urban challenges through excellent partnership with its citizens and stakeholders. |
2012 Special Mentions
| 08 | Ahmedabad enjoys early successes in implementing a comprehensive city plan. |
| 07 | Brisbane transformed itself from a ‘country town’ blighted by urban decay into a vibrant metropolis. |
| 06 | Copenhagen & Malmö demonstrate close collaboration and a shared vision across borders. |
| 05 | AHT Group AG & Sun Development prevents violence in Khayelitsha, Cape Town through its comprehensive Urban Upgrading Programme. |
| 04 | Vancouver demonstrates strong visioning, community values and long-term planning. |
2010 Special Mentions
| 03 | Sheila Dikshit has helped to improve the living environment of Delhi through various implementations. |
| 02 | Dr Jaime Lerner implemented impactful urban solutions during his term as mayor of Curitiba and governor of Paraná. |
| 01 | Melbourne adopted an integrated approach and commitment to strategic planning. |