Baguio wins SDG award in Asia-Pacific
21 November 2024
BAGUIO CITY — This city has just created a big name in the Asia-Pacific, thanks to its continuing pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Summer Capital placed second in the 3rd CityNet Unescap SDG City Awards program behind its innovative urban program entitled "Mapping Urban Resilience: a Digital Twin to Baguio's Livability Index."
The city was cited for pioneering the use of digital technology to enhance urban planning and resilience.
City Mayor Benjamin Magalong. Photo from Baguio City Public Information Office
Mayor Benjamin Magalong welcomed the recognition, saying it is a testament to the city's commitment to creating a sustainable, inclusive and resilient city. It also affirmed the city's status as a model for other cities striving to achieve the SDGs.
The city was second to Busan, South Korea, which took the top position with its Children's Cultural Complex project. Bandung, Malaysia, placed third with its entry "Transforming the Springs Conservation Area into a Public Space."
Aside from the major award, the city also copped the top prize in the thematic category Smart City Award again for the "Mapping Urban Resilience" case study. It shared the distinction with Subang Jaya, Malaysia, for its "WhatsApp Business for City Services."
There were 350 submissions from different countries in the Asia-Pacific region and 70 were prequalified. The entries were trimmed to 10 finalists and from the pool, the top three were selected.
City planning and development coordinator Donna Tabangin received the award on behalf of the city government during the awarding ceremony held on Tuesday in Iloilo City.
The CityNet Escap SDG City Awards gives recognition to innovative urban practices of local governments to address urban challenges and advance the SDGs across Asia-Pacific.
These projects must align with the thematic categories of Inclusive City, Smart City, Circular City and Resilient City, and were evaluated based on their innovation, leadership, implementation clarity, positive outcomes, long-term sustainability and replicability.
The panel of judges came from leading international organizations, including the CityNet Secretariat, the United Nations-Habitat, the United Nation Development Program (UNDP) and the Habitat for Humanity.
Established in 1987, CityNet is an association of urban stakeholders committed to sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. It is supported by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (Escap), UNDP and UN-Habitat. The network now has 150 municipalities, nongovernment organizations, private companies and research centers as members. GABY KEITH
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