The results of the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize 2026 were officially announced on March 24, with Guangzhou earning a Special Mention for its strategic transformation from a growth-driven development model to one that emphasizes public participation, cultural preservation, and ecological sustainability.
A total of 55 city nominations from major continents were submitted this year, making it the most competitive edition in the award's history. Widely regarded as the "Nobel Prize of urban planning," the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize is one of the most prestigious international honors in urban governance and development. Competition for the 2026 award was particularly intense, with cities worldwide submitting diverse and high-quality proposals. The top prize was awarded to London. Alongside Guangzhou, Special Mentions were also given to Antwerp, Budapest, Taipei, and Tianjin.
The jury praised Guangzhou for "its vision and determination in rethinking its development pathway," highlighting the city's integrated approach that combines economic vitality, social well-being, and resilience. The panel noted that Guangzhou has effectively balanced environmental protection, social dynamism, and livability amid rapid urbanization, offering valuable lessons for cities worldwide.
This recognition affirms Guangzhou's recent efforts to transform its development model as a megacity. It also marks the city's official entry into the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize Network, a global platform for collaboration on urban governance.
Looking ahead, Guangzhou aims to deepen international cooperation, integrate global best practices with local characteristics, and accelerate its development into a historic cultural city that blends heritage with modern vitality. The city also seeks to become a model "landscape garden city," where urban spaces coexist harmoniously with natural surroundings, contributing scalable solutions and insights to global sustainable urban development.
Reporter: Li Fangwang
Photo: Li Fangwang
