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SINGAPORE : The northern Spanish city of Bilbao has been named the winner of the inaugural Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize.
This is to recognise the local government's efforts in transforming the city into a vibrant metropolis.
Bilbao is home to some one million people and landmarks, such as the Guggenheim Museum.
But transforming it from a dilapidated industrial city into what it is today was not an easy task.
It took some 25 years and 25 urban projects to do so. Much of which was geared to kick-start the economy, clean up the environment and improve the quality of life of its people.
Jon Azua, former deputy prime minister, Basque County, said: "The most important was first of all to recover the self-esteem of the people. Secondly, this is not easy, transforming a city is very complex, you need vision, you need leadership, you need commitment."
Bilbao edged out 77 other nominations for the prize.
Mayor of Bilbao, Dr Inaki Azkuna, said he hoped Bilbao can provide inspiration for other cities.
And Singapore can learn from Bilbao. Cheong Koon Hean, Member of Nominating Committee and CEO of the Urban Redevelopment Authority, said: "One thing that we can learn from Bilbao is that they have used culture as a way in which they uplift the city, into a new platform, and this is something we can improve on, in terms of our art offerings, in terms of our lifestyle offerings, and these are things we are working towards."
Even as Bilbao City Hall takes centrestage, other nominations have been selected for special mention as their experience could serve as useful learning points for other cities. They are the city of Melbourne; the former mayor of Curitiba and Governor of the State of Parana in Brazil, Jaime Lerner; and the Chief Minister of New Delhi, India, Sheila Dikshit.
The prize includes S$300,000 cash and a gold medallion.
Dr Inaki will receive the award from Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew at a ceremony on June 29.
The award is a biennial international award to recognise individuals and organisations that have made outstanding contributions to the creation of vibrant and liveable communities around the world. - CNA/ms
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