Committed to Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements for All
In Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC
NEW SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND
HUMAN SETTLEMENTS AWARDS 2025
As a highlight of GFHS 2025, the New Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements Awards Ceremony was grandly held. Positioned as a globally authoritative accolade for a sustainable urban future, New Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements Awards (New SCAHSA) aims to recognize and honor outstanding innovation and leadership in making sustainable cities and human settlements, and advancing climate actions, and promote their innovative strategies, technologies and approaches as well as successful experience.
This year's awards achieved record highs in both application quality and laureate influence. Compared with the past five years, there was a notable increase in applications and award recipients from cities and local governments. All four Chinese municipalities directly under the Central Government as well as innovative economic powerhouses like Shenzhen and Suzhou submitted flagship projects for the competition.
Reportedly, GFHS Secretariat received over 400 applications this year. After rigorous evaluation by the Jury, 36 finalists spanning 10 categories were selected, with 19 ultimately receiving the top honors. Winners were presented with green crystal trophies and cash prize, celebrating together in embraces. Senior officials from the United Nations and other international organizations attended the ceremony to present the awards and congratulate the awardees. The audience, brimming with enthusiasm, chanted "SCAHSA!" in rhythm with the host—cheering for the stars of sustainability and championing green initiatives. The sounds of eco-advocacy resonated across Lake Geneva, while the spirit of sustainability spread worldwide like a sweeping breeze.
Distinguished award recipients include Chaoyang District, Beijing, China; Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City; Budapest, Hungary; Penang Island, Malaysia; Innovative Practices in Low-Carbon Development and Urban Regeneration at the Shanghai World Expo Park; Suzhou High-Speed Rail New Town Urban and Rural Construction Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality Pilot Zone; Wonderwoods Vertical Forest, the Netherlands; Zambezi and Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe; Tommy Thompson Park, Canada; AMP ONE Municipal Solid Waste Processing System, United States, among others.
Awarders and awardees at New Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements Awards Ceremony 2025
World Meteorological Organization Headquarters Geneva, Switzerland
The Awardees
Global Smart Green City (Videos)
Chaoyang District, Beijing, China （Global Smart Greener City）
China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city （Global Smart Greener City）
City of Budapest, Hungary （Global Smart Green City）
Suzhou High-Speed Rail New Town Urban and Rural Construction Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality Pilot Zone
Dubai Integrated Waste Strategy 2041
Wonderwoods Vertical Forest, the Netherlands
Huazhong Rainbow City, China
De Ceuvel, the Netherlands
Zambezi and Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe
Lokrum Island, Croatia
Dongyang Luzhai Village, Zhejiang, China
The Successful Practice of Protecting and Sustainably Utilizing Thuja sutchuenensis in Kaizhou District, Chongqing, China
Tommy Thompson Park, Canada
Sustainable Legacy of the World Expo: Innovative Practices in Low-Carbon Development and Urban Regeneration at the Shanghai World Expo Park
More Pollinators, More Biodiversity in the Municipality of Oeiras, Portugal
Penang Island, Malaysia
Global Smart Green City
Chaoyang District, Beijing, China / China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city / City of Budapest, Hungary
Global Human Settlements Award on Planning and Design
Suzhou High-Speed Rail New Town Urban and Rural Construction Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality Pilot Zone
Dubai Integrated Waste Strategy 2041
Global Model of Smart Green Building
Wonderwoods Vertical Forest, the Netherlands
Global Model of Smart Green Community
Huazhong Rainbow City, China
Global Human Settlements Model of Village
Dongyang Luzhai Village, Zhejiang, China
Global Model of Sustainable Urban Renewal
Coastal Sci-Tech City, China
De Ceuvel, the Netherlands
Global Model of Sustainable Tourism
Zambezi and Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe
Lokrum Island, Croatia
Global Model of Ecological Restoration and Protection
The Successful Practice of Protecting and Sustainably Utilizing Thuja sutchuenensis in Kaizhou District, Chongqing, China
Tommy Thompson Park, Canada
Global Innovation Award for Sustainable Development
Innovative Practices in Low-Carbon Development and Urban Regeneration at the Shanghai World Expo Park
More Pollinators, More Biodiversity in the Municipality of Oeiras, Portugal
Global Leadership Award for Sustainable Development
Penang Island, Malaysia
Global Model of Green and Smart Technology/Product
LP Low Carbon Intelligent Construction Technology, China
AMP ONE Municipal Solid Waste Processing System, United States