Criteria for Ranking Cities in Each Category
The ranking framework for the 2A Center of Paragon City is based on a multidimensional evaluation system that measures both tangible and intangible aspects of urban excellence.
Each city is assessed on quantitative indicators (data-driven) and qualitative attributes (values-based), aligned with the goals of innovation, sustainability, inclusivity, peace, and human-centered growth.
Environmental Sustainability (10%)
- Implementation of green infrastructure, renewable energy, and ecological conservation.
- Climate resilience and resource efficiency (energy, water, waste).
Social Inclusivity and Equality (10%)
- Accessibility for all (children, elderly, disabled, marginalized groups).
- Gender equality and representation in public life.
- Equal distribution of urban services and opportunities.
Innovation and Smart Urban Systems (10%)
- Use of digital technology for governance, transport, and citizen engagement.
- Support for innovation ecosystems and creative industries.
- Adoption of human-centered smart solutions.
Cultural Vitality and Heritage Preservation (10%)
- Integration of heritage, arts, and creativity in urban identity.
- Preservation of historical fabric and cultural practices.
- Support for artists, museums, and cultural education.
Urban Governance and Transparency (10%)
- Participatory decision-making and citizen involvement.
- Efficiency, accountability, and ethical urban management.
Peace, Security, and Social Cohesion (10%)
- Safety and trust in public spaces.
- Promotion of intercultural understanding and dialogue.
- Peacebuilding through urban design and community engagement.
Economic Vitality and Microeconomic Efficiency (10%)
- Encouragement of local entrepreneurship and small business development.
- Job creation and economic diversity.
- Equitable urban economic distribution.
Mobility and Accessibility (10%)
- Sustainable transport systems (public, pedestrian, and cycling).
- Reduction of congestion and emissions.
- Universal access to urban mobility.
Urban Health and Well-being (10%)
- Access to healthcare, recreation, and public green spaces.
- Urban design promoting physical and mental wellness.
Adaptability and Resilience (10%)
- Ability to respond to environmental, technological, or social changes.
- Disaster preparedness and flexible infrastructure.
Ranking and Selection Process
- Each city is assessed in its relevant category (e.g., Smart, Green, Multicultural, Peace-Oriented, etc.).
- The selection of the cities will be carried out by the Organizing Committee of the 2A Center of Paragon City, based on the research and studies available at www.2art.center.
- The Committee will evaluate the cities according to the desired qualities, categories, approaches, and vision defined by the 2A Center of Paragon City.
- Using comprehensive information and documented data about each city, the Committee will conduct a holistic and comparative assessment to identify those that best represent the 2A Paragon City ideals including innovation, sustainability, cultural identity, inclusivity, and human-centered development.
- Through this process, the final selection will reflect the 2A Center’s mission to recognize and highlight cities that embody forward-thinking urban excellence and contribute meaningfully to global progress.
- Weighted averages determine the city’s composite score.
- The top two cities in each category are recognized annually as “Global Paragon Cities.”
- Selected cities are included in the 2A Global Prominent List and honored at the Annual Paragon City Ceremony.
Why This Initiative Is Important as A Global Vision
Building a Global Network of Learning Cities
The 2A Center of Paragon City, in collaboration with the UNESCO Club of Architecture & Art, represents a pioneering step toward transforming cities into living classrooms where humanity learns, innovates, and grows together.
In the 21st century, cities are not only centers of population; they are epicenters of civilization. They embody how humanity interacts with nature, culture, and technology. Yet, the challenges of inequality, environmental degradation, and urban fragmentation threaten this balance.
The Paragon City Program responds to these challenges with a visionary and practical framework — one that recognizes, studies, and shares the models of cities that have successfully built inclusive, sustainable, and humane environments.
Why the Paragon City Activity Is Necessary Worldwide
To Showcase and Share Global Excellence
The program identifies and honors cities that lead by example, those that have found innovative, people-centered ways to improve urban life. By documenting and publishing these examples, the initiative allows other cities to learn from proven practices rather than starting from scratch.
To Establish Global Standards for Urban Progress
Paragon City offers a benchmark system that integrates social, cultural, environmental, and ethical dimensions of development. This creates a shared global language for what constitutes a successful, humane city.
To Encourage Constructive Global Collaboration
Cities that participate become part of a worldwide dialogue — exchanging ideas and solutions through the Urban Interaction Forum. This dialogue fosters international cooperation, reducing isolation and promoting collective progress.
To Inspire Leadership and Vision
Recognizing visionary mayors, governors, and urban professionals strengthens leadership accountability and inspires other cities to follow suit. This process nurtures a new generation of ethical and visionary urban leaders.
To Strengthen Peace and Cultural Understanding
Cities are where cultures meet. Promoting peace-oriented urbanism helps bridge divides, prevent conflict, and create shared civic identities that transcend borders. This transforms the city into a laboratory for global peace.
To Connect Global Ideals with Local Realities
The initiative translates UNESCO’s values — peace, diversity, and sustainability — into practical urban practices, aligning global vision with local impact.
The Broader Impact
Through the 2A Center of Paragon City, we create a cycle of continuous learning:
- Cities learn from one another.
- Citizens benefit from better policies and design.
- Humanity moves closer to balanced, compassionate living.
“Each City That Joins This Movement Contributes A Unique Lesson — Together Forming A Global Mosaic Of Excellence And Coexistence.”
Final Message
“A Paragon City Is Not Defined By Wealth or Size, But By Wisdom — By How It Uplifts Human Life, Honors Cultural Identity, And Preserves the Planet.”
By studying and celebrating such cities, the 2A Center of Paragon City and the UNESCO Club of Architecture & Art aim to build a network of inspiration, one that empowers every city to become both a student and a teacher in humanity’s shared journey toward a brighter, more humane urban future.