🔊 Take a moment and listen

Thiruvananthapuram has achieved a remarkable distinction by receiving the esteemed Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities, widely recognised as the Shanghai Award. This prestigious honour, presented jointly by UN-Habitat and the Shanghai Municipality, acknowledges cities globally that demonstrate exemplary progress in advancing sustainable development. With this accolade, Thiruvananthapuram joins a distinguished group of towns celebrated for their significant contributions to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the New Urban Agenda.

The award ceremony took place on October 31, 2024, in Alexandria, Egypt, in observance of World Cities Day. Thiruvananthapuram was acknowledged as one of the second-cycle awardees, celebrated for its exceptional projects led by the Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Limited (SCTL). This recognition underscores the city’s commitment to integrating sustainable practices, fostering resilience, and creating inclusive spaces that enhance the overall quality of life for its residents.

Pioneering Projects Driving Thiruvananthapuram’s Sustainable Development

Thiruvananthapuram’s success story is built on a series of innovative projects that have redefined its urban landscape. Each initiative reflects a commitment to sustainable growth, technological innovation, and inclusive urban development. The highlighted projects in the city’s award entry include:

• Manaveeyam Cultural Street: This cultural space has become a hub for artistic expression and community engagement, embodying the city’s vision of inclusive public spaces that promote social interaction and cultural enrichment.
• Electric Bus Initiatives: In its commitment to reducing carbon emissions, Thiruvananthapuram has adopted electric buses, paving the way for a cleaner and more efficient public transportation network.
• Integrated Command & Control Center (ICCC): A technological milestone for the city, the ICCC integrates real-time data and monitoring, enabling the efficient management of city infrastructure and improving responsiveness to urban challenges.
• Smart Roads: The development of smart roads has enhanced connectivity while prioritizing pedestrian safety and accessibility, demonstrating the city’s dedication to modern, people-centred infrastructure.
• Urban Basic Services and Resilience Projects: These initiatives focus on improving essential services and infrastructure, particularly in areas prone to environmental risks, thereby strengthening the city’s resilience to climate change.
• Citizen-Centric Open Spaces: By establishing parks and green areas, Thiruvananthapuram has created inclusive, recreational spaces that support community well-being and ecological balance.
• Solar Rooftop Projects: Emphasizing renewable energy, these projects are reducing the city’s dependency on non-renewable resources, in alignment with global sustainability goals.

The award was accepted on behalf of Thiruvananthapuram by Honorable Mayor Arya Rajendran and CEO of SCTL, Shri Rahul Krishna Sharma IAS. Their leadership has been instrumental in driving these impactful projects and securing Thiruvananthapuram’s position as a leader in sustainable urban development. The city’s achievements will also be featured at the Twelfth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12) in Cairo from November 4-8, 2024, where Thiruvananthapuram will present its initiatives to an international audience.

A Model for Sustainable Urban Development in India

The recognition of Thiruvananthapuram as a global leader in sustainable urban practices has elicited praise from key leaders in India. Minister Rajesh commended the city’s initiatives, noting that “Thiruvananthapuram’s accomplishments bring great pride to Kerala and set a benchmark for sustainable urban practices that can inspire cities across the nation.” The award underscores the progress made by the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, which has implemented extensive sustainability measures to address environmental and social needs.

These efforts include the installation of over 17,000 KW of solar panels across the city, the deployment of 2,000 solar street lights, and the conversion of all street lighting to energy-efficient LED technology. Thiruvananthapuram has also invested significantly in green mobility, rolling out 115 electric buses, 35 electric bikes, and 100 electric autorickshaws, with the dual aim of promoting sustainable transport and generating employment for residents. In a forward-looking move, the Chief Minister is expected to announce plans for transitioning over 500 government offices to solar power by 2025. Additionally, the city is set to launch the Trivandrum Climate Budget on June 5, 2025, further reinforcing its commitment to climate action.

A Vision for the Future

The Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities not only honours the achievements of Thiruvananthapuram but also reinforces its role as a model for urban resilience and sustainable innovation. As the city continues to advance toward a sustainable future, this recognition serves as both a milestone and a motivation to further enhance its contributions to the global sustainability movement.

Be a part of Elets Collaborative Initiatives. Join Us for Upcoming Events and explore business opportunities. Like us on Facebook , connect with us on LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter, Instagram.