The 6th Guangzhou Award is now open for application. Below you will find answers to the questions we get asked the most about applying for the 6^th Guangzhou Award:

1. How to access the application system?

Please find the entrances of the application center on the official website of the Guangzhou Award or the website for the 6th Guangzhou Award. Or simply enter the application through this link: http://www.guangzhouaward.org/index/user/login.html

2. What should I do if I can not open the application website?

If you can not open the application website, please try refreshing the page or switching to another browser.

3. After I enter the application website, how to use the application system?

We have made a step-by-step guide to use the application system. Please find more at:

http://www.guangzhouaward.org/a/3175.html?lang=en

1. Does the initiative have to be implemented by the city or local government?

Yes. The Award is calling for participation from all cities and local governments around the world with ongoing or recently completed initiatives, including those that are implemented in collaboration with private and civil society partners (a joint application is also eligible).

2. Is there a limit to the number of initiatives that each city may submit?

There is no limit to the number of initiatives for each city.

3. If the initiative I plan to submit is large-scaled and comprehensive which include several actions in various areas / If I plan to submit several initiatives that under the same framework, how should I fill out the application form?

If there are several initiatives being implemented under the same policy framework, it is suggested that you submit up to three of the most successful initiatives. These initiatives can be implemented independently by the local government or in collaboration with private and civil society partners.

For example, if the initiative you have is "City A's Low-Carbon Development Strategy", which includes important actions in areas of public transportation, building energy efficiency, and renewable energy, you can submit three separate applications：

Application 1: Low-carbon development strategy—public transportation

Application 2: low-carbon development strategy of city A—building energy conservation

Application 3: low-carbon development strategy of city A—renewable energy

4. Can  I submit an initiative that was submitted in the previous cycle(s)?

Yes. We are keen to know any new progress and updates on the initiatives once submitted.

5. Are there any requirements for the initiative’s operation date?

For the end date, yes. According to the Submission Guidelines for the Guangzhou Award, either of the following 2 types of initiatives is eligible:
a. an ongoing initiative, OR b. an initiative recently completed (within the past two years).

For the start date, there are no requirements. But we encourage you to submit initiative(s) that have been ongoing for at least 2 years, because this kind of initiative may include more info about its progress and outcomes from which our juries can learn about.

1. If we cannot find our city’s data from the UN Statistical Office for the Basic City Data Section or that could be found is not the latest. Is it possible to use the data from our own municipal/national statistical bureau?

Yes. We understand that certain data cannot be found from the UN source. In this case, you may wish to use any official source of data you deem reliable.

2. Is it possible to make any changes after submitting the application form?

No, except under exceptional circumstances. But you can edit the saved content of your application form before it is submitted.

3. Under what circumstances can I edit the submitted application form(s)?

You may have a chance to modify the form(s) if you submit the application before the early bird deadline (23:59, July 31^st , 2023, Beijing Time). Cities are encouraged to make an early bird submission to receive feedback and suggestions for their application. The early bird submission applicants, who find the feedback useful and would like to modify the original application may contact the Award Secretariat (info@guangzhouaward.org) to reopen the editing for you. In that case, please remember to submit the modified version before the final deadline (23:59, August 31^st, 2023, Beijing Time).

4. Are there any samples for me to fill out the application form(s)?

Yes. We recommend you visit the "Guangzhou Award Urban Innovation Database"where you can find almost all the past initiatives of the Guangzhou Award as samples for your application.

1. Can I submit additional/supporting materials other than the application form?

Yes, but it’s optional rather than mandatory. We welcome you to submit any additional materials as further demonstrations of your initiative(s). Here is a list that you may want to refer to when preparing the additional materials:

As English is the working language of the assessing experts, we would appreciate that translation can be provided if any of the above materials are in other languages. We recommend sending all additional materials via WeTransfer (https://wetransfer.com/) to the Guangzhou Award Secretariat (info@guangzhouaward.org), along with the title of the initiative, contact person, and a list of documents. The deadline for submitting the additional materials is the same as the deadline for submitting your initiative(s).

2. In addition to filling out the application form online, do I need to provide a paper version of the materials?

No. The whole application process is done online with no paper materials required.

1. Is it acceptable to fill in the application form in a language other than English?

Unfortunately no. As the working language of the assessing experts is English, all the materials submitted shall be translated into English.

2. If I submit additional / supporting materials other than the application form, can I use languages other than English?

Whether to translate the additional / supporting materials into English or not is optional, but we encourage you to do so because English is the working language for our juries, and English materials could be better understood.

1. When is the deadline for this year's application?

The deadline for submission is 23:59:59, August 31, 2023 (Beijing time).

2. How can I check all the updates and results?

The finalists and winners will be announced on our official website. The Award Secretariat will also contact the shortlisted cities directly via email (info@guangzhouaward.org). Also, we will post all the updates on our social media platforms on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram (@GuangzhouAward).     

1. Will I be charged for the application?

No. You will not be charged in any form for the application or assessment.

Note: 

The FAQ is still being updated. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact the Guangzhou Award Secretariat.

Telephone: +86 20 3780 4434

Email: info@guangzhouaward.org