Singapore awards Vienna for sustainable urban development

Vienna has won the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize. The prize, awarded by Singapore every 2 years, recognizes outstanding achievements and contributions to the creation of liveable, vibrant and sustainable urban communities around the world.

The jury was particularly impressed by Vienna's combination of history and modernity. The city builds on its strong cultural and historical foundation, while at the same time being a sustainable and liveable metropolis through modern innovations. The fact that Viennese citizens can actively participate in the development of their city was also positively highlighted.

Mayor Michael Ludwig accepted the internationally renowned award in front of numerous colleagues from all over the world on 1 August 2022 during the World Cities Summit 2022 in Singapore. Due to the COVID pandemic, the award ceremony took place 2 years late. In addition to an award certificate, Vienna will receive a cash prize and a gold medal worth around 235,000 euros.

Mayor Michael Ludwig said: "I am very proud and grateful that Vienna has been chosen as the winner among so many ambitious cities. We will continue on our consistent path of high quality of life for everyone with the greatest possible conservation of resources through social and technical innovations, while remaining a reliable partner for others."

Cheong Koon Hean, Chair of the Nominating Committee said: "Even as the world faces a climate emergency, Vienna is an exemplar of responsible environmental stewardship for its region. It has been remarkably successful in sustaining a high quality of life for its inhabitants, through steadfast improvements and innovative digital technology. Vienna holds many lessons for us as it has met the needs of modern society in a sustainable way, while retaining its attractiveness and charm as a city of history and culture. Such an inspirational city is indeed most deserving of the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize."

Video: Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize 2020 Laureate: Vienna - YouTube

Environmental protection, urban development and citizen engagement

The award committee emphasized that Vienna is a role model for urban development and renewal as well as sustainable growth, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. It found Vienna's strategic approach, which is also reflected in the new Smart City Wien Framework Strategy recently adopted by the Vienna City Council, particularly convincing. The measures for environmental protection and climate change adaptation, such as the creation of more open and green spaces, were particularly worth mentioning for the committee.

It also praised the concept of strengthening many local centres and lively districts, such as in the urban development areas of Seestadt Aspern or the Nordbahnhof area, where short distances between living, working and leisure time promote active mobility such as cycling or walking and thus also the health of the Viennese. Vienna's offer to its residents to get actively involved through initiatives such as the Grätzloase (Neighbourhood Oasis) was also recognised.

About the Prize

The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Singapore (URA) and the Singapore-based Centre for Liveable Cities (CLC), jointly organize the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize. It has been awarded every 2 years since 2010. Previous award winners were Seoul, Medellin, Suzhou, New York City and Bilbao.

The prize is named after Singapore's first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. He was instrumental in Singapore's development into the green garden city it is known for today.