Tangier, Morocco | 25 June 2026
The 7th Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation (Guangzhou Award) will announce its shortlist and exemplary initiatives on 25 June 2026 in Tangier, Morocco, during the UCLG World Congress and World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders.
Established in 2012 by the Guangzhou Municipal Government in partnership with United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) and METROPOLIS, the Guangzhou Award recognizes and promotes outstanding urban innovation practices from cities around the world. Over the years, it has become an important global platform for showcasing innovative solutions to urban challenges and fostering peer learning and cooperation among local and regional governments.
The Technical Committee of the 7th Guangzhou Award will convene in Tangier from 22 to 25 June 2026 to assess the initiatives submitted from across the globe. Following its deliberations, the Committee will officially release:
- 15 Shortlisted Initiatives
- 30 Exemplary Initiatives
The 15 shortlisted initiatives will advance to the final stage of the Award and compete for the five winning places of the 7th Guangzhou Award.
Launched globally in September 2025 in Seoul, Republic of Korea, as part of the 40th Anniversary Celebration of Metropolis, the 7th edition of the Award attracted broad international attention and participation from cities committed to advancing innovative, inclusive, and sustainable urban development. A total of 381 urban governance innovation initiatives were submitted by 248 cities from 60 countries, demonstrating the growing global engagement in addressing urban challenges through innovation.
The release of the shortlist marks a significant milestone in the Award process, highlighting innovative practices that address contemporary urban challenges and contribute to achieving more resilient, people-centred, and sustainable cities.
The shortlisted and exemplary initiatives will be announced on 25 June 2026 through the Guangzhou Award’s official communication channels.
Stay tuned for the release of the 7th Guangzhou Award shortlist and discover inspiring urban innovations from cities around the world.
