Bloomberg Philanthropies launched the 2021 Global Mayors Challenge to support urban transformation in the aftermath of COVID-19. Open to urban centres worldwide with more than 100,000 residents, the 15 challenge winners will receive $1 million to advance solutions designed to accelerate ideas pioneered by cities in response to COVID-19.
As vaccinations are being rolled out across communities globally, this challenge will provide a welcome shot in the arm to the ambitions of innovative city leaders striving to push on and deliver brighter futures for people and planet.
“Across the globe, mayors are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. And as they continue to manage this unprecedented public health crisis, city leaders are finding creative new ways to deliver services while also rebuilding their economies in ways that tackle climate change and fight inequality,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, former three-term mayor of New York City and founder of Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies. “The Bloomberg Philanthropies 2021 Global Mayors Challenge is designed to support leaders who are on the cutting edge of urban policy and work with them to test their most innovative ideas – and spread what works to other cities around the world. To emerge from this crisis stronger, cities need to be bold – and I have no doubt this year’s ideas will be some of the best yet.”
The four challenge themes are: Economic recovery & inclusive growth; Health & wellbeing; Climate & environment; Good governance & equality.
APPLY: Ideas – at any stage of development – should be submitted by 21 March, 2021.
