Thiruvananthapuram: In a major feat, Thiruvananthapuram has been awarded the UN-Shanghai Global Award for sustainable development, and thus making it the first city in the country to achieve the honour. The award, part of a global initiative led by UN Habitat and the Shanghai Municipality, recognizes cities for their progress, governance, and for sustainable development.
“It is a Diwali gift for Kerala and the capital city for achieving this great feat. I thank all the people, the people’s representatives and the employees of the Thiruvananthapuram corporation for working towards achieving the feat”, said MB Rajesh, Local self-government minister MB Rajesh.
The award, part of a global initiative led by UN Habitat and the Shanghai Municipality, recognizes cities for their progress, governance, and sustainable development activities. Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Arya Rajendran and Smart City CEO Rahul Sharma accepted the award at a ceremony in Alexandria, Egypt.
The Chief Minister is expected to announce plans to convert more than 500 government offices to solar power by 2025. The Corporation is also planning to launch the Trivandrum climate budget on June, 2025.
The Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation has implemented numerous sustainability initiatives, including the installation of 17,000 KW of solar panels, 2,000 solar street lights, LED lighting for all street lights, 115 electric buses, 35 electric bikes and 100 electric autos for unemployed individuals.
Minister Mohammed Riyaz praised the municipality’s initiatives, stating that the recognition reflects the pride of all Kerala and highlights the model activities that can be emulated in other cities of the countries. Cities such as Salvador and Brisbane have previously won the prestigious award earlier.
