Espoo recognised as a global leader in sustainable urban development on UN World Cities Day
The City of Espoo has become the first European city ever to win the Shanghai Award. The award is presented to cities that have made significant progress in implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda.
Mervi Katainen, Chairperson of Espoo City Board, accepted the award on behalf of the city at an event held in Bogotá, Colombia, on 31 October 2025. The ceremony brought together representatives from dozens of cities worldwide, along with delegates from the United Nations and national governments.
“This recognition shows that Espoo’s determined and collaborative approach to development is producing real results. Sustainable development is our shared goal in Espoo – one that we advance together with residents, businesses and partners,” says Katainen.
“We in Espoo are proud of the international Shanghai Award. The recognition proves that we can grow while remaining a sustainable city where people, communities and nature can thrive together. This award encourages us to keep going, not only for the benefit of our own city, but also to help solve global challenges,” adds Mayor Kai Mykkänen.
This year’s competition received 85 applications from 33 countries around the world. In addition to Espoo, four other cities were awarded: Algiers (Algeria), Al Madinah (Saudi Arabia), Bogotá (Colombia), and Incheon (Republic of Korea).
Espoo reached the finals in 2023 and has now become the first European city ever to win the award.
Long-term and systematic work towards sustainable development
Espoo’s success is the result of long-term and systematic work, in which the city has integrated the UN Sustainable Development Goals into its strategy, known as the Espoo Story.
The city has developed solutions in cooperation with residents, businesses, research institutes and other partners. Espoo’s application highlighted its carbon neutrality targets, as well as the transparency and inclusiveness of its urban development. For example, by responding to the My Espoo survey, Espoo residents were able to influence the city’s strategy. We have also actively developed our Voluntary Local Review (VLR) report, which is used to monitor the local implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The Shanghai Award has been presented annually since 2023 in connection with the UN World Cities Day.
The award was established by UN-Habitat and the City of Shanghai to promote the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda in cities worldwide.
Enquiries
Milla Ovaska, Head of International Affairs, City of Espoo
tel. +358 43 8244911, milla.ovaska@espoo.fi
shanghaiaward.org(external link, opens in a new window)