Report by Ms. Sahar Seyed Tafreshiha, Tehran Municipality, Iran
Tehran Golden Adobe Global Award (TGAGA) is an international award to conglomerate projects and practices from cities, regions and local communities worldwide with the objective of gathering successful experiences leading towards the recognition of the extreme importance of local governance and urban management in promoting the socio-economic environment, sustainability, and encompassing peace and health, that is the main focal point in the well-being of the citizens. The award has been held since 2014 and is co-organized by the Communications and International Affairs Center of Tehran Municipality, the World Association of Major Metropolises (Metropolis) and UN-Habitat.
On 26th January 2021, a prestigious closing ceremony was organized in Milad Tower Conference Hall to not only announce the winners of the 5th edition of the Tehran Golden Adobe Global Award but to bring high officials of different nations under one roof to yet again dissipate the message of global unity.
The long list of keynote speakers included the Mayor of Tehran, Iranian government officials, UNDP Resident Representative in Iran and many more. Moreover, the video message of the Executive Director of the UN-Habitat, President of UCLG-MEWA, Secretary General of UCLG, and the CEO of Metropolis was presented to the audience. The written message of the President of Mayors for Peace and Mayor of Hiroshima was also read and published on the award’s website.
A total of 541 projects from all around the world had participated in the award. Among all, there were 296 international projects, 58 countries and 194 cities. The submitted projects were evaluated and the best candidates were selected and announced. In total, 21 projects were selected of which 7 projects received the Tehran Golden Adobe Global Award memento and 14 projects received commendations.