Yunlin Named One of the World’s Top 7 Smart Cities for 2026, Showcasing Its Smart Governance and Sustainable Development Achievements

YUNLIN, Taiwan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Yunlin County Magistrate Chang Li-shan led the county government team to Columbus, Ohio, the United States to officially receive the "Top 7 Smart Cities in the World 2026" award presented by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF). Following its initial selection in 2024, Yunlin has once again received international recognition, showcasing the county government's achievements in promoting smart governance, industrial upgrading, and sustainable development. Magistrate Chang Li-shan expressed her deep gratitude and appreciation, stating that this honor belongs not only to the county government but also to every hardworking resident of Yunlin.

Following the ICF tradition of awarding prizes from the previous year's first-place winner to the new year's Top 7 cities, this year's award was presented by a representative from Durham, located east of Toronto, Canada. The award was presented to Yunlin and the other six selected cities. This passing on of honor also demonstrates the spirit of the ICF city network in promoting local innovation and sustainable development through exchange, learning, and cooperation.

County Magistrate Chang Li-shan stated that Yunlin's recognition in 2026, following its initial entry into the global Top 7 in 2024, is the result of the joint efforts of county residents, communities, industry, government, academia, research partners, and the county government team. Facing challenges such as an aging population, urban-rural disparities, extreme climate, and limited local financial resources, Yunlin has continuously integrated local resources, using technology to improve public services and assist in industrial upgrading, gradually accumulating governance achievements. This has allowed Yunlin to once again stand on the international stage, providing an opportunity to share its experiences and learn from the wisdom of other cities, continuously refining county services.

The Yunlin Government’s planning department stated that the ICF examines how cities transform technology into economic and social development capabilities through core aspects such as digital connectivity, talent development, innovation, digital inclusion, civic participation, and sustainability. The Top 7 cities for 2026 include Yunlin County, Taiwan; Asai, Brazil; Limburg, Netherlands; Bursa, Turkey; Hilliard, USA; Kingston, Canada; and Las Rosa, Spain. Yunlin is the only Taiwanese city selected this year, and the county government will continue to leverage the international city network to expand opportunities for industry-academia collaboration, innovative applications, and local exchanges.