The Philips Livable Cities Award

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I'm sure many of you already know this, but I have got to admit it. I'm a city girl. Yeah, going out to the country once in a while is alright, but seriously, I can never live out in the country. I just love the big city life too much. That's why I love living in this greater NYC metro area. City living is so vibrant, full of diversity and culture. There is never a dull moment, when you are living in the big city. That's what makes city living so livable. However, rapid urbanization and the influx of people moving to the city comes with problems too. Did you know that latest statistics show that half of the world's population currently lives in a city, and this proportion is projected to increase to two thirds by 2050? Also, people are living longer and longer alone in cities. Growth doesn't always mean good. Because of this rapid urbanization, there are now new social, economic and environmental challenges which require innovative solutions to ensure that citizens can live happy, healthy, safe and fulfilled lives.

Philips is playing their part in promoting the health and well being of cities. How? Well, they have set up an award called the Philips Livable Cities Award. The Philips Livable Cities Award is a global initiative designed to generate practical, achievable ideas for improving the health and well-being of people living in cities. That's right, Philips is currently looking for individuals, community or non-governmental organizations and businesses who have ideas - ideas for ‘simple solutions’ that will improve people’s health and well-being in a city.This award consists of three grants totaling €125,000 (one overall winning idea from any of the three categories will receive a grant of €75,000, while the two additional ideas will receive grants of €25,000) which will be made to help translate these ideas into reality. There are three award categories, namely the "Well Being Outdoors", "Independent Living" and "Healthy Lifestyle at Work and Home". So, you have an idea. How does the contest work? Well, you are to submit your ideas between May - Oct 2010 and the panel will review and shortlist entries for each category. Then, shortlisted entries will be publish online between Jan - Feb 2011 for the public to vote. The panel will then review the votes in March and the winners will be announced at the Award Ceremony in April 2011. So, if you have an idea you would like to submit, just head over to their website to do so. Go ahead, you can now play a part in making your city more livable and safe!