The award presentation followed an open call for entries through which 74 submissions were received. The submissions were extremely diverse, from NGOs, government bodies, academics, architects and developers. The organisations worked on a range of issues including waste management, education, health, historic restoration, housing, transport etc. The jury wanted to recognise that there is no single ‘magic bullet’ for Mumbai’s problems. Cities as complex as Mumbai need a simultaneity of approaches to function successfully.

Therefore, the jury decided to award two entirely different projects, the Triratna Prerana Mandal and the Mumbai Waterfronts Centre, with a special commendation for the Urban Design Research Institute. The winning projects stood out in terms of being closest to the aims of the award i.e. they are transformative projects that can encourage citizens to form partnerships to improve the quality of the urban environment and the quality of life for local residents.

The award presentation ceremony was held at the historic and recently renovated Convocation Hall, University of Mumbai. The Governor of Maharashtra, S.M. Krishna, addressed the gathering speaking about Mumbai’s strengths, as well as the challenges it faces, and the need for NGOs, community organisations and ordinary residents to take part in addressing these challenges. He welcomed the award as a way of honouring these often ‘unsung heroes’. 

Chancellor Angela Merkel, in her keynote address, highlighted the challenges of sustainable development and integration. She emphasised that matters often need to be addressed at the neighbourhood level, and that it is not advisable to view urban development in isolation from rural development. She congratulated Deutsche Bank and the London School of Economics on their initiative to create a network of urban leaders and thinkers.