Deadline: February 5, 2020.

Facing tomorrow’s challenges, cities worldwide benefit from putting wellbeing at the heart of their approach. We see planning and policy making more inclined to public health investments, efforts to promote diverse and cohesive communities together with sustainable environments, and stronger local economies.

The Wellbeing Cities Award recognizes those initiatives by offering a powerful global platform to tell their story and inspire others. Additionally, following a two-round application process, laureates will be announced at the annual Wellbeing Cities Forum on June 16-17, in Montréal, QC, where they will meet a global network of leaders committed to urban wellbeing.

CATEGORIES

Applications are now open for the 2020 edition. They will accept applications in the following categories:

• Integrating nature and biodiversity,
• Planning for better urban health,
• Building a vibrant urban economy,
• Supporting cohesive communities,
• Prioritizing wellbeing

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must:

➔ Be representatives of a city or of a regional or national authority that coordinates and works with cities in a given territory

➔ Describe an initiative or strategy that has been implemented in a city and that aims to improve the wellbeing of its residents

➔ Submit applications on behalf of a single city. The application must be approved by a senior staff member or elected official who has the authority to enroll the city in the Wellbeing Cities Award.

BENEFITS

1. Join a strong global network dedicated to urban wellbeing. Connect with representatives from more than 100 participating cities from 30 countries in 5 continents.

2. Share best practices with like-minded professionals. The Award aims to put on a global stage the most innovative solutions for urban wellbeing, allowing policy-makers, planners and leaders from around the world to share best practices and learn from one another.

3. Spread the word about your initiative. Last year, the work of our applicant and laureate cities generated more than 500 media hits on platforms such as The Huffington Post, Smart Cities World, The Monocle Urbanist podcast… On social media, our stories of urban wellbeing reached nearly 19 million people around the world.

4. Boost your work on wellbeing. Applying to the Award provides an opportunity to obtain feedback and reflect on the success of your initiatives for wellbeing.

BENEFITS TO LAUREATE CITIES

Laureates of the Wellbeing Cities Award are placed at the heart of a global conversation on a key urban issue. They are invited to take part in NewCities’ activities throughout the year following their selection to promote their work on urban wellbeing.

Visibility and Media

• Promotion of their initiative in local and global media through a dedicated media campaign spearheaded by NewCities;
• An invitation to showcase their initiative on a global stage at the Wellbeing Cities Forum during a dedicated session;
• Invitations to other relevant urban innovation events to be organized by NewCities and partners;
• Recognition and visibility as Wellbeing Cities;
• Access to NewCities’ extensive network of urban leaders worldwide.

Knowledge sharing with peers

• An opportunity to lead a thematic workshop during the Wellbeing Cities Forum to explore their initiatives with experts and professionals;
• An invitation to participate in working groups on policy and planning for wellbeing during the Forum;
• Personalized networking opportunities arranged by the NewCities team

OFFICIAL LINK: https://newcities.org/wellbeingcity-award/