Share this article

Kampala, Uganda, was one of the winning cities for its sustainable development plans, an award jointly by UN-Habitat and the Shanghai Municipality government to recognize cities and municipalities worldwide for their progress in implementing the 2030 Agenda.

The award, that recognizes outstanding progress and achievements of cities and municipalities around the world in their implementation of the 2030 Agenda, was jointly established by the UN-Habitat and the Shanghai Municipality government.

The award ceremony was a part of Shanghai, China’s national celebration of World Cities Day, which had as its global theme “Financing Sustainable Urban Future for All.” 

“Your dedication to a better quality of life for all in our cities is truly commendable,” said Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, as she presented the award to representatives of the winning cities.

“I would like to encourage more cities to join the Shanghai Award initiative. This is a platform to exchange your vision, experience, successes and setbacks so that we can help other cities build capacity, attract investments and find innovative pathways to achieve a sustainable urban future.” 

Kampala received recognition for its progressive plans for long-term, environmentally, socially, and economically sound development.

It (winning) is not just about how glorious these cities’ history is, how prosperous their appearance is, or how developed their economy is, according to Wu Zhiqiang, a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a member of the international judging panel for the “Shanghai Award”. Aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN is the key.

He also exhorted the participating cities to specify their objectives, plans of action, and means of implementation for sustainable development. They should also offer examples of successful projects that can be exchanged, publicized, and supported.

Dorothy Kisaaka, executive director of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), had earlier on Monday, November 6, launched a campaign encouraging Ugandans to vote for Kampala to win.

“Kampala City has been nominated for the Guangzhou Award for Urban Innovation, 2023,” Ms Doroth Kisaka stated. Give Kampala a vote, then take the prize home. Urban innovation influences our day-to-day lives and advances sustainable global development.”

According to her, the innovative project “An Innovation Towards Pit Emptying Services Through a GIS-enabled App” is what led to Kampala City’s nomination.

The ‘Weyonje’ initiative has, according to KCCA, not only revolutionized Sanitation City but also had a significant impact on Kampala’s public health services. This work has now gained recognition on a global scale.

The innovations in informal settlements have enabled residents to have options in solid waste management,” she said. 

A total of 54 cities representing a range of urban development, income, and demographics from 16 different countries applied for the award.

Applications were evaluated in relation to cities’ accomplishments and advancements in the areas of resilience and safety in cities, green urban development, economic dynamism, and capacity building for sustainable urban development.

The five cities that emerged victorious were Fuzhou City in southeast China, George Town in Penang, Malaysia, Brisbane, Australia, and Kampala, Uganda.