New to the 2024 edition of the AIPH World Green City Awards is the AIPH Youth Award, which is set to inspire the next generation to actively participate in the global green city movement by enabling stronger connections between cities and their youth populations. A dedicated Youth Jury vote to select the winner of the AIPH Youth Award through a two-stage judging process. At the close of the first stage, the Youth Jury has reviewed the entries of the 21 Finalists against a set of principles and associated criteria that was developed by Youth Jury applicants, and has voted for the three entries which they consider to be most aligned.

“Reviewing the AIPH Youth Award entries was like seeing hope in action. For me, it was a powerful reminder that when we bring young minds and nature together, magic happens. These projects are not just about trees and parks; they're about empowering young people to lead the charge towards a greener, brighter future.”- Muntasyir Al Wafi, Student/Program Coordinator at Bahcesehir University/Urban Minds and 2024 Youth Jury member.

The three entries with the highest number of votes by the Youth Jury comprise the shortlist for the AIPH Youth Award, which AIPH and GYBN are proud to reveal as being:

• Green Factor Tool - City of Melbourne, Australia
• Rita Lee Park - Rio Olympic Park Legacy - Rio de Janeiro City Hall, Brazil
• Climate Change Strategy - City of Joondalup, Australia

The case studies of the three entries shortlisted for the AIPH Youth Award are available here.

Each of the shortlisted cities will receive a certificate at the 2024 AIPH World Green City Awards Ceremony, which will take the form of a gala dinner on 25th September 2024 at the Future Green City World Congress in the City of Utrecht, the Netherlands. It is also at this Awards ceremony where the winner of the AIPH Youth Award will be announced and awarded a trophy.

“Together with GYBN, we are proud to showcase the shortlist of three entries which the Youth Jury has selected,” says Mr. Bill Hardy, Chair, AIPH Green City Committee. “With this milestone, we are drawing closer to the exciting announcement of the Winner of the AIPH Youth Award. Congratulations to the three shortlisted cities, each of whom is demonstrating that the voice of young people is critical to the success of urban greening initiatives. After all, it is the youth of today who will inherit the cities we are building!”

The winner of the AIPH Youth Award is voted by the Youth Jury in the second stage of judging. In this stage, the members of the Youth Jury are tasked with reviewing the full entry content of each of the 3 shortlisted entries and voting for the entry which they believe is most likely to meet the aspirations of the global youth and fulfil their needs for a greener, healthier, and more resilient urban future.

“The AIPH Youth Award stands as a powerful testament to the vital role young people play in building sustainable cities and communities. This ground-breaking initiative serves as a beacon, urging leaders worldwide to actively include youth voices in shaping a better future for all.”- Vathanak Soeun, Sustainable Design and Climate Change Advisor and 2024 Youth Jury member.

AIPH, GYBN, and the extensive global network of partners for the AIPH World Green City Awards are thrilled to reach this exciting milestone. The AIPH Youth Award is intended to be an integral component of future editions of the AIPH World Green City Awards. The three shortlisted entries for the 2024 edition showcase cities that are demonstrating that when young people are at the core of urban greening initiatives, transformative change that will leave a legacy for future generations is not only possible but is also within reach.