^{5 October 2026}  

By Amy McDonald

When RISE was named a finalist for the World Resources Institute (WRI) Ross Prize for Cities, one of the world’s most prestigious awards in urban sustainability, it marked a significant achievement for everyone involved in the program.

For Nature-based Solutions Specialist, Ilham, and Build Project Manager, Intan, who have been with RISE since the initiative began nine years ago in Makassar, the opportunity to visit New York for the awards ceremony proved to be life-changing.

New perspective to urban design challenges

While the ceremony itself
was a highlight, Ilham said the conversations and workshops “offered an equally remarkable experience”. Over the course of a week, the pair met with leaders in urban design, researchers and practitioners tackling some of the world’s most pressing urban challenges.

Discussions with fellow finalists reinforced the value of collaboration and knowledge exchange and gave new insights into how the RISE program contributes to global conversations about sustainability, resilience, and community well-being. Ilham learned that many of the attendees shared similar priorities around policy development, transforming public spaces, and improving quality of life.

The experience shifted their perspective on urban design, reinforcing that local projects are connected to broader global challenges and opportunities.

They attended Yale University for a series of post-award seminars and discussions hosted by the WRI Ross Centre and the Hixon Centre for Urban Sustainability. The sessions focused on the realities of transforming urban challenges into practical solutions that improve access to nature, mobility and essential services, with finalists sharing their project successes and lessons. "We reflected on what
turns a plan into real impact, the challenges we faced, and the lessons learned from our experiences," Ilham said.
This included the RISE team sharing insights about the program. Ilham adds, “In New York, we shared knowledge.  Along with other attendees, we brought an energy from our program thousands of miles away, all for our shared mission of creating a positive global impact. The experience was beyond an ordinary trip to New York.”

Time travelling with architecture

In between the WRI awards ceremony and discussions with experts in the field,
they fitted in sightseeing. For Ilham and Intan, both architecture graduates from Hassanuddin University in Indonesia, the opportunity to explore significant landmarks was irresistible.

At the historic Morgan Library and Museum at the awards ceremony, Ilham was stopped in his tracks at recognising the iconic East Room (right) from the cover of architecture magazines. Seeing the work of renowned architect Renzo Piano in person was, he said, "a breathtaking moment that stirred a deep sense of memory”.

To Ilham, being immersed in the historic room at such a meaningful time for RISE, “felt like a tribute to the program in which everyone's hard work is now another layer in the room's historic story”.

While touring Yale University, one of the world's leading academic institutions in architecture, Ilham and Intan were struck by Yale’s blend of historic and modern architecture. "We felt like time travellers across the campus," Ilham recalled.

New York itself became a learning experience. The pair toured key landmarks, from the Empire State Building and Brooklyn Bridge to more relaxed Central Park.

They saw how city streets, public spaces and iconic buildings continuously evolved while also maintaining their unique identity. The experience showed how cities are not simply collections of buildings and infrastructure, but living environments shaped by the people who inhabit them.

The Guggenheim Museum (left), designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is another architectural landmark that Ilham and Intan had previously studied. Seeing this building during their trip was something they had long dreamt of but never imagined.

A life changing experience

"Somehow, New York City changed how we see everything; the energy, the feeling of being part of something bigger and faster, even if just for a short while. Then we went home, and normal life suddenly felt quieter, slower, but different," Ilham said.

“We always knew RISE is a leader in sustainable development to improve urban informal settlements,” said Ilham, “Our trip reinforced that the most impactful solutions are rooted in local knowledge and collaboration, and that meaningful change begins with the communities closest to the challenge.”

Back in Makassar, Ilham and Intan continue working closely with stakeholders and local communities to deliver water sensitive, nature-based water and sanitation solutions in informal settlements.

“The WRI Prize for Cities award is for all of us who believe in equity, dignity, and inclusivity for all. We are part of a movement that empowers communities without privilege. And the WRI award experience has shown me that there are still more who believe than disbelieve, more who support than doubt, and more who care than ignore, that community-informed, nature-based solutions are the answer to urban challenges,” said Ilham.

^{From left: Intan on the Brooklyn Bridge, Intan and Ilham in Times Square, Ilham inside the Oculus World Trade Center}

^{*Images 2 - 4 are courtesy of WRI Prize for Cities, all other images are courtesy of Intan and Ilham}