Deadline: September 15, 2025
The AIPH World Green City Awards 2026 are now open for entries. This global biennial competition, run by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), celebrates cities that are boldly integrating nature and plants into urban planning and design. If your city is leading the charge towards sustainable, resilient and liveable spaces, this is your opportunity to gain international recognition.
What Are the AIPH World Green City Awards?
The AIPH World Green City Awards 2026 aim to spotlight public-sector initiatives that prioritise nature-based solutions. Held every two years, the awards are a prestigious platform for local governments to showcase their commitment to a greener, healthier, and more sustainable urban future.
The awards not only recognise excellence but also promote innovation in city planning, using horticulture and plant life as essential tools to address pressing urban challenges.
Application Deadline
- Early deadline: 15 September 2025
- Final deadline: 19 October 2025 (as confirmed by the AIPH official website)
Cities are encouraged to submit their entries as early as possible. While the Opportunity Desk announcement lists 15 September 2025 as the deadline, AIPH officially allows submissions up to 19 October 2025. To ensure eligibility, submitting by 15 September is strongly recommended.
Award Categories
Cities can enter their initiatives under seven distinct categories, each targeting a key area of sustainable urban development:
- Living Green for Biodiversity – Supporting urban ecosystem restoration
- Living Green for Climate Change – Addressing mitigation and resilience
- Living Green for Health & Wellbeing – Enhancing mental and physical health through green infrastructure
- Living Green for Water – Promoting water-sensitive design
- Living Green for Social Cohesion – Creating inclusive, nature-rich communities
- Living Green for Urban Infrastructure – Elevating urban liveability through green solutions
- Living Green for Urban Agriculture – Encouraging food systems rooted in urban farming
In addition to category winners, one Grand Winner will be selected from the seven finalists.
Judging Process
The selection process involves two major stages:
1. Technical Panel Review
A panel of technical experts will assess all submitted projects in late 2025, selecting up to three finalists per category. Outstanding entries that don’t make the final cut may receive “Highly Commended” recognition.
2. Jury and Youth Jury Evaluation
A dedicated Jury will then review the shortlisted projects and select:
- One winner for each category
- One Grand Winner overall
Additionally, a Youth Jury will choose a winner from the same pool, reflecting the voice of young advocates for green cities.
Past Grand Winners
Cities that have previously excelled in this prestigious competition include:
- Hyderabad, India (2022) – for its Green Garland to the State of Telangana programme.
- Chengdu, China (2024) – for transforming Longquan Mountain into an expansive urban forest under the Urban Green Heart Programme.
These winning entries exemplify the transformative power of plants and nature in shaping sustainable cities.
Why Your City Should Enter
Participating in the AIPH World Green City Awards offers cities:
- International visibility
- A platform to inspire and influence global urban policies
- Opportunities to network and collaborate with like-minded cities and sustainability leaders
- Validation for local green initiatives that impact millions of lives
Whether your city is already a green leader or just beginning its journey, this award is a powerful endorsement of your commitment to environmental stewardship and urban innovation.
Ready to Apply?
This is your city’s moment to shine. Submit your entry for the AIPH World Green City Awards 2026 and join the ranks of visionary cities creating healthier, more sustainable environments.
Need help preparing your application?
Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
