The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has officially opened nominations for the prestigious 2026 Scroll of Honour Award, one of the world’s most respected and internationally recognized awards celebrating excellence in adequate housing, sustainable urbanization, and inclusive city development.
Organizations, governments, institutions, and individuals from around the world are encouraged to submit nominations for initiatives that have made exceptional contributions to improving urban life, advancing sustainable communities, and promoting adequate housing for all.
The nomination deadline is 23 June 2026.
Since its establishment in 1989, the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award has highlighted transformative urban initiatives that address some of the most pressing challenges facing cities and communities worldwide. The award recognizes outstanding efforts that help create more inclusive, resilient, sustainable, and equitable urban environments while advancing the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Sustainable Development Goal 11.
The winners of the 2026 edition will be honored during the global observance of World Habitat Day on 5 October 2026.
About the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award
The UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award is among the most prestigious international recognitions in the field of urban development and housing.
For more than three decades, the award has celebrated exceptional achievements that improve the quality of life for urban populations and contribute to sustainable urban transformation.
The award serves several important purposes:
- Recognizing innovative urban development initiatives
- Promoting best practices in housing and urban planning
- Encouraging sustainable urbanization
- Supporting inclusive development
- Highlighting successful implementation of global development agendas
- Inspiring governments and organizations to scale impactful solutions
Through this award, UN-Habitat aims to showcase successful examples of urban innovation and encourage broader adoption of effective approaches worldwide.
Why the 2026 Award Is Particularly Important
The 2026 Scroll of Honour Award comes at a critical moment in global development.
The world is currently facing an unprecedented housing crisis. According to UN-Habitat estimates:
- Approximately 2.8 billion people worldwide experience some form of housing inadequacy.
- Nearly 1.1 billion people live in slums and informal settlements.
These figures highlight the urgent need for innovative and scalable housing solutions that ensure safe, affordable, accessible, and adequate housing for all.
The 2026 award seeks to recognize initiatives actively contributing to solutions that address these challenges while advancing sustainable urbanization.
2026 World Habitat Day Theme: Adequate Housing for All
The Scroll of Honour Award is closely linked to World Habitat Day, an annual global observance that raises awareness about the state of human settlements and the right to adequate shelter.
The theme for World Habitat Day 2026 is:
“Adequate Housing for All”
This theme emphasizes the urgent need to:
- Address housing shortages
- Improve housing affordability
- Expand access to safe housing
- Promote inclusive urban development
- Reduce housing inequality
- Accelerate action toward sustainable housing solutions
As a result, special consideration will be given to nominations that align with this year’s theme and demonstrate measurable progress toward housing accessibility and inclusion.
Objectives of the Award
The Scroll of Honour Award seeks to recognize initiatives that:
1. Improve Urban Quality of Life
Projects that create healthier, safer, and more livable communities.
2. Advance Sustainable Urban Development
Initiatives that promote environmentally responsible urban growth and planning.
3. Strengthen Community Resilience
Programs that help cities and communities adapt to social, economic, and environmental challenges.
4. Promote Inclusion and Equity
Actions that ensure no one is left behind in urban development processes.
5. Support Global Development Agendas
Efforts contributing to:
- Sustainable Development Goal 11
- The New Urban Agenda
- The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Who Can Be Nominated?
UN-Habitat welcomes nominations from a broad range of stakeholders involved in urban development and housing initiatives.
Eligible nominees include:
Individuals
Visionary leaders, practitioners, researchers, and advocates making significant contributions to urban development.
Local and Regional Governments
Municipalities and regional authorities implementing innovative urban solutions.
Civil Society Organizations
Community-based organizations and non-profit institutions advancing sustainable development goals.
Research and Academic Institutions
Universities, think tanks, and research organizations producing impactful urban development initiatives.
Private Sector Organizations
Businesses and corporations creating innovative housing and urban development solutions.
Media Organizations
Media entities raising awareness and driving positive change related to urban issues.
Multilateral Agencies
International organizations working to improve urban living conditions globally.
Other Relevant Entities
Organizations and institutions actively contributing to adequate housing and sustainable urbanization.
Important Nomination Rules
Applicants should carefully review the nomination requirements before submission.
Self-Nominations Are Not Allowed
UN-Habitat explicitly states that:
- Individuals cannot nominate themselves.
- Organizations cannot nominate their own institution.
- Programs cannot submit nominations for themselves.
- Initiatives cannot self-nominate.
All nominations must be submitted by an independent nominator.
Language Requirement
Nominations must be submitted:
- In English
- Through the official online submission platform
Selection Process
The evaluation process is rigorous and designed to identify the most impactful urban initiatives worldwide.
Step 1: Initial Screening
Following the submission deadline, UN-Habitat will conduct a comprehensive review to ensure nominations meet eligibility and submission requirements.
Step 2: Selection Committee Review
Eligible nominations will be evaluated by a Selection Committee composed of:
- UN-Habitat experts
- Senior management representatives
The committee will assess submissions based on their impact, innovation, relevance, and contribution to sustainable urban development.
Step 3: Recommendation of Winners
The Selection Committee will recommend up to:
Five winning initiatives
for final consideration.
Step 4: Final Selection
The Executive Director of UN-Habitat will make the final selection of award recipients.
Step 5: Notification of Winners
Selected winners will begin receiving notifications from:
August 2026 onwards
Step 6: Global Recognition
Award recipients will be formally recognized during the global observance of World Habitat Day on:
5 October 2026
Selection Criteria
In evaluating nominations, UN-Habitat will consider:
Best Practices
Evidence of effective and successful implementation.
Innovation
Creative approaches to addressing housing and urban development challenges.
Impact
Demonstrated positive outcomes for communities and residents.
Sustainability
Long-term viability and durability of the initiative.
Alignment with SDG 11
Contributions toward making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
Contribution to the New Urban Agenda
Support for global commitments related to sustainable urbanization.
Relevance to Adequate Housing for All
Particular attention will be given to initiatives addressing the 2026 World Habitat Day theme.
Notable Previous Winners
Over the years, the Scroll of Honour Award has recognized influential organizations and initiatives from around the world.
Past recipients include:
- Kigali
- Habitat for Humanity International
- Veolia Environment
- URBAN Intergroup
These examples demonstrate the award’s global reach and reputation as a benchmark of excellence in urban development.
Why Organizations Should Apply
Receiving the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award offers numerous benefits:
- International recognition
- Enhanced credibility
- Increased visibility
- Global networking opportunities
- Validation of impact
- Strengthened partnerships
- Greater opportunities for scaling successful initiatives
Winning or being shortlisted can significantly elevate an organization’s profile within the international development and urban planning sectors.
How to Submit a Nomination
Eligible nominators should submit nominations through the official online submission platform provided by UN-Habitat.
Applicants should carefully review the official application guidelines to ensure all requirements are met before submission.
For additional information and inquiries:
Email: unhabitat-whd@un.org
Application Deadline
Nomination Deadline: 23 June 2026
Interested nominators are strongly encouraged to prepare and submit nominations well before the deadline.
Final Thoughts
The UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award 2026 represents a unique opportunity to celebrate and showcase transformative initiatives that are improving lives, advancing sustainable urban development, and addressing one of the world’s most urgent challenges: adequate housing for all.
As cities continue to grow and urban populations expand, innovative solutions are needed more than ever. Through this prestigious award, UN-Habitat continues to recognize the individuals and institutions leading the way toward more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities worldwide.
Organizations and individuals who know of outstanding urban initiatives should take advantage of this opportunity and submit nominations before 23 June 2026.
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Learn More
- For more information about this opportunity, Click here
- More global Award opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here
