Wayne Lumbasi
Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, has been named one of five global winners of the 2026 Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities, known as the Shanghai Award, in recognition of its efforts to advance inclusive, resilient and sustainable urban development.
The award, presented by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and its Chinese partners, recognises cities making significant progress in improving urban living conditions while addressing environmental and social challenges.
Addis Ababa was honoured for its integrated approach to urban transformation, combining affordable housing initiatives, green infrastructure, river restoration, safer transport and public participation in governance.
According to UN-Habitat, the city’s development strategy demonstrates how coordinated urban planning can improve residents’ quality of life while strengthening resilience and promoting more sustainable growth.
Among the initiatives highlighted are urban renewal programmes, housing development, corridor expansion and riverside rehabilitation projects. The city has also focused on improving transport connectivity, expanding green spaces and creating cleaner, more accessible public areas.
The recognition highlights Addis Ababa’s efforts to reshape its urban environment through infrastructure development and public space improvements, while incorporating environmental sustainability into its long-term planning.
The award also places the Ethiopian capital among cities recognised for addressing the challenges of rapid urbanisation through innovative and people-centred approaches.
Addis Ababa was selected alongside Santiago de Cali in Colombia, Istanbul in Türkiye, Jingdezhen in China and Katowice in Poland. The five winners were chosen from 92 applications representing 34 countries, following an assessment of their impact, innovation, sustainability and potential for wider application.
Each city was recognised for a distinct approach to sustainable development, ranging from climate resilience and inclusive governance to heritage preservation and urban regeneration.
The Shanghai Award supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 11, which calls for cities and communities to become inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
For Addis Ababa, the recognition brings international attention to its urban development ambitions and its efforts to create a more liveable capital.
The award comes as cities across Africa face mounting pressure from rapid population growth, housing shortages, infrastructure demands and environmental challenges, underscoring the importance of urban planning that places residents and sustainability at its centre.
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