Core Insights - The 2025 World Cities Day global main event opened in Bogotá, Colombia, on October 31, 2023, where the third Global Sustainable City Award (Shanghai Award) was presented, marking the second time the award has been held outside of China [1] - The Shanghai Award, initiated by the UN-Habitat and the Shanghai Municipal Government, aims to recognize cities that provide comprehensive solutions and significant progress in sustainable development [1] - This year's award focused on four key areas: adequate housing, human-centered smart cities, green resilience to climate change, and effective governance to stimulate urban vitality, attracting submissions from 85 cities across 33 countries [1] Summary by City Algiers, Algeria - Algiers focuses on adequate housing, resilient infrastructure, ecological transformation, and smart governance, providing a model for innovation in urban transformation for cities in the Global South [2] - The city has implemented a large-scale housing and slum eradication program, improving public health and social equity while enhancing urban resilience and sustainability [2] - Algiers' "Smart City Initiative" leverages IoT, big data, and AI to optimize urban management and public services, fostering a modern governance model [2] Incheon, South Korea - Incheon emphasizes balanced development across environmental, economic, and social dimensions, combining long-term vision with measurable outcomes [3] - The city has introduced flagship projects like the "One Dollar Housing" initiative to alleviate housing pressure and promote hydrogen transportation and smart traffic systems [3] - Incheon has achieved significant improvements in quality of life, social inclusivity, and environmental performance, providing a replicable model for sustainable urban development [3] Medina, Saudi Arabia - Medina adopts a human-centered and inclusive design philosophy, integrating cultural traditions with modern innovations to enhance urban mobility and environmental restoration [4][5] - The city has launched projects like the "Lighthouse" city data platform and smart public transport systems, improving management efficiency and social inclusivity [5] - Medina's comprehensive, data-driven governance approach supports the implementation of smart city strategies while fostering trust and long-term sustainability [5] Bogotá, Colombia - Bogotá addresses climate change and social disparities through green infrastructure and "Warm Housing" initiatives, significantly improving ecological conditions and promoting social equity [6] - The city has implemented housing programs that provide flexible subsidies and public-private partnerships to support vulnerable families, enhancing community environments and economic growth [6] - Bogotá aims to leverage urban development as a means to improve social welfare and promote equitable mobility [6] Espoo, Finland - Espoo integrates sustainable development goals with technological innovation in urban planning and budgeting, fostering community participation in city vision development [7] - The city has transformed from a small town to Finland's second-largest city, becoming a hub for talent and innovation [7] - Initiatives like participatory surveys and real-time 3D city models have improved public transport, housing security, and energy recycling, exemplifying a "human-centered" smart city approach [7] Conclusion - The awarded cities exemplify diverse approaches to sustainable urban development, focusing on safety, green initiatives, intelligence, and inclusivity, contributing to a more equitable and resilient urban future [8]