Generously sharing their expertise and experience: thank you to our fantastic team of reviewers!

We’re proud to be working with a range of impressive global organizations to review the applications for the Climate Smart Cities Challenge.

It’s been full steam ahead with the Climate Smart Cities Challenge, as teams from across the globe have been working tirelessly to finalise their applications in time for the deadline on Wednesday 5 January 2022. We’re pleased to announce that we have already received 50 plus applications, which were submitted as part of our early deadline incentive. 

The next step is for all the applications to be assessed and reviewed against the competition finalist selection criteria. Thankfully, we’re not doing this alone! To help complete this comprehensive review process, we have recruited a large pool of expert assessors with a wide range of skills and experience. We are thrilled to be supported by over 70 individuals across 36 organizations, to help choose the most promising innovators to progress to the next stage of the challenge. 

Within this assessor cohort there are representatives from across the four cities, the 15 partners and additional external industry experts. In total we have 36 different organizations, ranging from academia, public bodies, consultancies, and more!

All of these individuals have kindly volunteered their time and expertise to review applications which is why we want to take this opportunity to recognise their invaluable contribution to the challenge. Thank you!

Launched by the UN and Sweden, this innovation competition will accelerate the shift to climate neutral cities, by empowering innovators and communities to collaborate in designing and demonstrating solutions and reinventing how cities innovate.

Over the last year, UN-Habitat, the UN agency for cities; and Viable Cities, the Swedish national city innovation programme, have established a strong partnership of more than 15 public and private organizations working closely with the cities of Bogotáa, Bristol, Curitiba and Makindye Ssabagabo. It is through these partnerships that we have been able to launch a global challenge and reach innovators with the most promising climate solutions. Selected innovators will join our diverse consortium, to collaborate and co-create with us, and others, to accelerate their solutions. 

What happens next

Following this initial review of all the applications, the challenge and city selection panel will make the final decisions regarding which innovators will be invited to the next stage. With space for up to 80 finalists, this is a fantastic opportunity to join an exciting consortium of motivated and ambitious partners, and help create a better future for all. 

If you’re interested in applying for the challenge make sure to submit your application by 5 January 2022!