Addis Ababa Wins 2026 Shanghai Award for Sustainable Urban Development

Addis Ababa, October 31, 2026 (FMC) – Addis Ababa has won the 2026 Shanghai Award, an international recognition presented by UN-Habitat and China in connection with World Cities Day, in recognition of its progress in sustainable, inclusive, people-centred and resilient urban development.

Mayor Adanech Abiebie announced the achievement in a social media message, describing it as a source of pride not only for the capital but also for Ethiopia as a whole.

The Shanghai Award recognizes five cities annually for their achievements in sustainable urban development. Addis Ababa’s latest recognition follows its 2024 Seoul City Award, presented through an initiative by UN-Habitat and the South Korean capital.

The Mayor attributed the achievement to a range of urban development initiatives, including people-centred urban renewal, improved housing provision, integrated development through urban corridors and riverside projects, enhanced transport services and accessibility, and improvements in greenery, cleanliness and urban aesthetics.

She noted that these efforts have helped translate the city’s potential into tangible development outcomes, improve residents’ quality of life and strengthen Addis Ababa’s international competitiveness.

The city’s experience in successfully undertaking urban renewal, a major challenge in many developing countries, also offers practical lessons for other cities seeking to advance sustainable urban development.

Mayor Adanech described the award as the outcome of collective effort and shared achievement, congratulating all those who contributed to the milestone.