The AIPH World Green City Awards is the first and only global awards for cities where plants and nature are the core focus. As an ongoing competition with entries open every 2 years, the Awards recognize the role of city authorities in promoting and supporting greater inclusion of plants and nature in urban environments.
The Awards are designed to champion ambitious nature-orientated approaches to city design and operation. Specifically, they seek to recognize public initiatives relying on a greater use of plants and nature to create better city environments – helping to fulfil local aspirations for improved economic, social and environmental resilience.
Building on the success of previous editions, the 2026 awards will celebrate inspiring initiatives such as Chengdu, China’s “Urban Green Heart Programme” (2024) and City of Hyderabad, India’s “Green Garland to the State of Telangana” (2022).
Award Categories
Awards are offered in seven categories, with three finalists and a category winner being selected in each category, and with one Grand Winner selected from the seven category winners.
Judging Criteria
Award entries will be assessed on the basis of six evaluation criteria.
Cities submitting an entry will be provided with detailed documents that describe the evaluation process.
How to Enter
Cities register a profile on the entry submission portal and complete the online entry form, in English, which consists of a series of questions in line with the judging criteria and may be complemented by supporting evidence such as images, videos, publications (e.g. copy of a report), letters of support (e.g. from partners).
Entries to the 2026 Awards are now OPEN and cities are invited to make their submissions before 15th September 2025.