The World Habitat Awards 2026 are now open for applications, seeking innovative and impactful housing solutions worldwide. Established in 1985, these awards have recognized and celebrated outstanding housing initiatives that improve living conditions for communities. To date, over 360 projects have been acknowledged for their lasting contributions to housing.

Each year, two winning projects receive a £10,000 prize and a trophy at a prestigious UN-Habitat global event. If you have developed an innovative and effective housing solution, this is your opportunity to gain international recognition.

Key Details

• Application Start Date: January 8, 2025
• Application Deadline: March 3, 2025 (23:59 GMT)
• Number of Winners: 2 projects
• Eligible Countries: All countries
• Focus Area: Housing and Habitat

Benefits and Prizes

Winning a World Habitat Award comes with several advantages, including:

• International Recognition: Showcasing exceptional housing solutions to a global audience.
• Financial Support: Two Gold Award-winning projects receive £10,000 each.
• Awards Ceremony: Winners are invited to a special event where they receive their trophies, with travel and accommodation costs covered for one project representative.

World Habitat Award Network

• All Gold, Silver, and Bronze Award winners become part of the World Habitat Award Network, which was established in 1986.
• The Network provides opportunities for online and in-person meetings, allowing members to exchange knowledge and experiences in housing development.
• Members can also collaborate through a dedicated LinkedIn group.

Gold Award Support

Gold Award winners receive one year of tailored support through the exChange Programme by World Habitat. This initiative helps winners further develop their projects and expand their impact globally.

Eligibility Criteria

Projects submitted for the World Habitat Awards must meet the following requirements:

• Focus on affordable and adequate housing.
• Take action to address the climate emergency.
• Be in progress or completed within the last ten years (by the deadline of March 3, 2025).
• Promote diversity, equality, and inclusion.
• Be developed in collaboration with local communities and residents.
• The project must not be at the design stage only; it should be implemented or actively making an impact.
• The award does not provide grant funding for new projects but recognizes existing initiatives.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to individuals and organizations from any country, including:

• NGOs
• Public institutions
• Private initiatives
• Academic institutions
• United Nations programs
• Other organizations with innovative housing solutions

Applicants can submit multiple projects if they meet the eligibility criteria. Previous applicants are also encouraged to apply again.

Selection Criteria

The selection process focuses on the following key aspects:

1. Impact
   • Demonstrated success in improving living conditions.
   • Contribution to the right to adequate housing.
   • Positive effects on communities with limited housing options.
2. Innovation
   • Unique and original approach to housing challenges.
   • Implementation in difficult or unconventional contexts.
3. Environmental Sustainability
   • Alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action).
   • Measures taken to reduce the carbon footprint.
4. Viability and Transferability
   • Long-term sustainability of the project.
   • Potential to inspire and be adapted to other locations.
5. Significance
   • Addresses urgent, neglected, or critical housing issues.

Selection Process

The selection follows a structured process:

1. Shortlisting
   • Around 40 entries are shortlisted based on the criteria.
   • The list is refined to a maximum of 10 projects for further evaluation.
2. Advisory Group Review
   • A panel of experts reviews the shortlisted projects.
   • A maximum of four projects is selected for on-site evaluations.
3. Evaluation Visits
   • World Habitat representatives visit the selected projects to assess their impact.
   • They engage with residents, stakeholders, and project teams.
4. Final Selection by Judges
   • The final decision is made by expert judges, including Ms. Maimunah Mohd Sharif and Ms. Leilani Farha.
   • Gold and Silver Award winners are determined.

How to Apply?

Interested applicants can submit their entries online through the official World Habitat Awards platform.

This is a unique opportunity to gain global recognition, share best practices, and contribute to sustainable housing solutions. If your project aligns with the criteria, don’t miss the chance to apply!

Apply Now

For more information, please visit the award’s Official Website. If you have any questions, review the FAQs.