Dear Global TED Community,



For the first time in its history, the TED Prize is being awarded not to an individual, but to an idea. It is an idea upon which our planet's future depends. The 2012 TED Prize is awarded to... the City 2.0.



Why is TED awarding the 2012 TED Prize to an idea and not a person?

Because this is an idea capable of inspiring collaborative actiion by millions of people. Urbanization is one of the century's biggest issues. Over the next 90 years, we will build more urban living space than in all prior centuries combined. We had better get it right.



Great cities represent an incredible opportunity for a beautiful, sustainable future:

- they promote innovation through proximity

- they can reduce population growth

- they can radically reduce carbon footprint per person

- they can ease development pressure on rural areas

- they can offer economic opportunity, culture, education Numerous people in the TED community are playing critical roles in helping create better cities -- through urban planning, architecture, design, technology, entrepreneurship and community activism. This prize gives us all a chance to bring these efforts together and ignite something special. Last year we challenged the artist JR to make a wish to change the world. With the Inside Out Project, he and an amazing community of collaborator's are doing just that. This year, we’re challenging everyone in the TED Community to embrace radical collaboration on one of the most pressing issues we face.



The purpose of the TED Prize has always been to inspire action. In the past we’ve entrusted individuals to do this. But the future of cities is such a significant issue, with so many individuals, organizations and companies doing spectacular work, that the TED Prize judges chose not to single out one individual, but to honor the idea itself.



Who will make this year’s TED Prize wish?

The City 2.0 has been the dream/goal of scientists, architects, urban planners, mayors and public policy folks for dozens of years. The TED Prize organizing team is bringing together a group of these visionaries to act as advocates on behalf of the City 2.0 and to collectively craft the wish. A wish capable of igniting a massive collaborative project among the members of the global TED community -- and all who care about our planet's future.



In the past, the TED Prize winner received $100,000 without any conditions on how it could be used. Most often, the winner either reinvested the money into the wish or into his or her foundation. This year, the money will be invested directly in seeding the Wish to be made on behalf of the City 2.0.



What can you do?

Intrigued? Baffled? Eager to help? Please join Amy in a TED Conversation to discuss the question: If you could make a wish on behalf of the City 2.0, what would it be?



And mark your calendars for February 29th 2012 to watch the TED Prize session, and we’ll tell you more about how to engage.



On a Leap Year date, we'll have a chance, collectively, to take a giant leap forward.



With thanks,



Chris Anderson, TED Curator Amy Novogratz, TED Prize Director



* * * * * Read more about the 2012 TED Prize.

