Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi has been declared the winner of the 2014 World Mayor Prize, for being the best at what he does.
Naheed Nenshi (Photo Credit: City of Calgary)
Nenshi was shortlisted for the prize last year and beat out 25 other hopefuls from around the world. He is being considered the most admired mayor of any large Canadian City. The Calgary mayor took office in 2010 and has been known for his forward approach, decisive management and strong leadership skills.
Nenshi was applauded for how he handled the Alberta floods and power outage that followed in large parts of the city
While Mayor Nenshi rejects being labelled progressive or indeed anything else - in the World Mayor interview he said: “I really believe that this kind of categorization alienates people and keeps them from participating in the political process.” – he has not shied away from challenging conservative views from some members of Alberta’s provincial government.
Naheed Nenshi (Photo Credit: Flickr)
Nenshi became the first Muslim mayor of a major North American city in 2010 and was re-elected again to office three years later, taking three quarters of the votes cast. Following in second place in the World Mayor prize was Daniël Termont of Ghent, Belgium, followed by Tri Rismaharini of Surabaya, Indonesia. There were no other Canadian mayors on the top 10 list, and one fellow North American mayor, Annise Parker from Houston, Texas, who landed in 7th position on the list.
Coincidentally, it is also Nenshi’s birthday and what a way to celebrate turning 43!
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