Special Mentions
Explore cities and individuals recognised for outstanding urban initiatives, and read their citations to draw lessons for building better, more liveable cities.
Last updated 2 September 2026
In each cycle, cities with outstanding urban initiatives are selected as Special Mentions to further the sharing of these lessons.
Africa
The list is as follows:
Cape Town exemplifies resilience through agile governance, navigating crises for a sustainable future. |
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Americas
The list is as follows:
Boston exemplifies a whole-of-society effort to transform the city. | |
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Rio de Janeiro injected new life into its central area and waterfront via innovative policies. | |
Toronto excels in social integration and its ambitious Waterfront Toronto initiative, revitalising its core. | |
Vancouver demonstrates strong visioning, community values and long-term planning. |
Asia
The list is as follows:
Ahmedabad enjoys early successes in implementing a comprehensive city plan. | |
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Guangzhou demonstrates community engagement and ecological sustainability alongside continued urban development. | |
Surabaya is an emerging city that appreciates its culture and preserves its kampung neighbourhoods. | |
Taipei demonstrates people-centred solutions through collaborative governance and integrated sustainability strategies. | |
Tianjin demonstrates sustainable urban development that balances growth with ecological preservation and historical revitalisation. | |
Tokyo is a well-managed megacity despite its large and seemingly ungovernable size. | |
Yokohama overcame urban challenges through excellent partnership with its citizens and stakeholders. |
Europe
The list is as follows:
Antwerp converts infrastructure barriers into community connectors through long-term planning and climate resilience initiatives. | |
Budapest demonstrates meaningful urban transformation with limited resources through strategic innovation and community-centred planning. | |
Copenhagen & Malmö demonstrate close collaboration and a shared vision across borders. | |
Hamburg is a port city that overcame planning challenges to become a welcoming city of opportunities. | |
Kazan overcame youth crimes and health issues to transform into a healthy and harmonious city. | |
Lisbon demonstrates a dramatic resurgence over the past decade despite limited resources. |
Oceania
The list is as follows:
Auckland overcame planning challenges through a highly integrated and innovative governance model. | |
Brisbane transformed itself from a ‘country town’ blighted by urban decay into a vibrant metropolis. | |
Melbourne epitomises resilience, innovation and liveability, even amidst pandemic challenges. | |
Sydney demonstrates strong leadership, commitment, and partnership with its citizens and stakeholders. | |
Wellington champions urban-nature harmony with citizen-led conservation. |
Individuals & organisations (defunct)
The first two editions of the Prize accepted nominations from individuals and organisations. Since 2014, the Prize accepted nominations from cities only.
AHT Group AG & Sun Development prevents violence in Khayelitsha, Cape Town through its comprehensive Urban Upgrading Programme. | |
Dr Jaime Lerner implemented impactful urban solutions during his term as mayor of Curitiba and governor of Paraná. | |
Sheila Dikshit has helped to improve the living environment of Delhi through various implementations. |