Models of Innovation honoured at Lee Kuan Yew Prize Award Ceremony
Medellín’s recognition signals the potential for coordinated planning and social investment to improve urban liveability, economic prospects and confidence in regenerating districts.
Medellín received the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize 2016 for its two-decade transformation through long-term planning, leadership and social innovation.
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The Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize 2016 and the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize 2016 were presented respectively to the city of Medellín, Colombia, and world-renowned hydrogeologist Professor John Anthony Cherry this evening by the Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lee Hsien Loong. The 2016 Laureates were honoured in an audience of global industry leaders, mayors and city leaders, and experts at the Lee Kuan Yew Prize Award Ceremony and Banquet held at The Ritz Carlton Millenia, Singapore.
The Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize 2016 Laureate, Medellín, tells the compelling story of a city which has transformed itself from one of the world’s most dangerous cities to one that is being held up as a model for urban innovation within a span of just two decades. Through bold leadership, long-term plans and social innovation, the city’s leaders have tackled its most pressing issues and improved the economy, as well as its citizens’ employability and quality of life. Medellín’s extraordinary transformation story serves not only as an inspiration for cities looking to overcome similar challenges, but also provides many valuable lessons for all cities worldwide.
The Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize 2016 Laureate, Professor John Anthony Cherry is recognised for his contributions and influence in groundwater management, and lifelong dedication to the protection of groundwater resources. The insights and contributions made by Prof Cherry form today’s framework in understanding one of the world’s most precious water resources, and ultimately lead to the provision of safe drinking water to populations that rely primarily on groundwater resources.
In conjunction with the occasion, a book dedicated to the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew was presented to Prime Minister Lee. Titled “A Chance of a Lifetime: Lee Kuan Yew and the Physical Transformation of Singapore”, it charts Singapore’s urban development over the past half-century and includes a foreword written by Prime Minister Lee.
The Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize and the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize are some of the key highlights of the World Cities Summit and Singapore International Water Week, which are co-located with CleanEnviro Summit Singapore. All three events are being held at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore until 14 July 2016.