Why Apply?
Why apply for the Prize?
By applying for the Prize, you will get to:
| 01 | Assess your city’s potential Undertake a rigorous self-evaluation process through the submission report to delve deep into your city’s data to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. |
| 02 | Showcase your city’s brilliance Highlight up to 5 impactful projects that exemplify your city’s urban initiatives and inspire other cities to follow your lead. |
| 03 | Be among a global community of innovators Learn from other Prize cities and collaborate with these leaders to address shared challenges. |
Winner benefits
| 2026 Prize Laureate | 2026 Special Mentions | |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Prize of Singapore Dollars $300,000 | ✓ | |
| Gold Medallion (valued at Singapore Dollars $50,000) | ✓ | |
| Crystal Trophy | ✓ | |
| Award Certificate | ✓ | ✓ |
| Travel expenses covered to attend World Cities Summit in Singapore1 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Receive award at the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize Award Ceremony & Banquet | ✓ | ✓ |
| Share achievements at Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize Lecture | ✓ | ✓ |
| Features on the Prize website, LinkedIn page, YouTube channel and publications | ✓ | ✓ |
| International media coverage2 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Participate in knowledge-sharing and capacity-building programmes | ✓ | ✓ |
Prize Cycle
| Stage A Nominations | Cities interested in applying for the Prize must secure a nomination from an independent third-party expert in urban planning and cities, such as a professor of urban planning or a related field. Self-nominations will not be accepted, and nominators without relevant expertise in urban fields may be disqualified. ➜ Stage A Nominations |
| Stage B Submissions | Following a valid nomination, nominated cities will be notified to prepare and submit a comprehensive written report for the jury’s evaluation. Returning applicants have the option to provide an update on specific areas, rather than a full report. ➜ Stage B Submissions |
| Evaluations | A two-tier evaluation process is used to select the winner. The Nominating Committee reviews all submissions and shortlists the top contenders, which are then reviewed by the Prize Council to select the winner. If needed, additional information may be requested or site visits conducted to support the evaluation, with the Prize Secretariat covering all related costs. ➜ Evaluation Process and Criteria |
| Results & Award | The winners will be announced in an official press release, showcasing their achievements and success stories. They will receive their awards and share their experiences at high-profile events, and have their stories featured on the Prize’s online platforms and marketing materials, providing opportunities for recognition and sharing their accomplishments with a wider audience. ➜ Prize events |
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Exclusive one-time offer for the head of delegation and accompanying officer(s) to attend the next World Cities Summit edition only. Offer is non-recurring, non-perpetual, and non-transferable. ↩
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International media coverage for press releases only. Feature stories or dedicated articles subject to the Prize Secretariat’s discretion and decision to pursue media pitching. ↩