RICS launches global contest to address issues affecting cities

RICS has launched a global competition to tackle the issues facing cities around the world

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has announced the launch of a global competition that aims to tackle the most pressing problems affecting cities around the world.

RICS said in a statement that those interested in entering the Cities for our Future contest will need to propose solutions to issues being faced by global cities, including those in the GCC.

The competition is open to everyone, although RICS noted that it is particularly interested in receiving entries from students, start-ups, and young professionals.

The prize for the competition has been set at $69,000 (GBP50,000). The winner will also receive mentorship from industry experts.

According to RICS, three million people move to cities every week, putting a strain on urban infrastructure and services. This has reportedly resulted in many city dwellers living in slums or poor-quality housing, and putting up with poor air quality and transport links.

Sean Tompkins, chief executive officer of RICS, commented: “The world’s cities are growing all the time, creating a range of challenges that will need to be addressed if they are to become safe, clean, and comfortable places to live.

“Throughout the Royal Institution’s 150 years, chartered surveyors have been crucial to urban development all over the globe, and we are proud to be running this competition to find innovative and practical ideas to improve our cities.”

Organised in partnership with the UK National Commission for UNESCO and the Association of Commonwealth Universities, the competition is open for submissions until 31 May, 2018.