Pioneering Places Executive Leaders Guide

Montréal, Canada Montréal created the position of Design Commissioner in 1991, becoming the first city in North America to recognise design as a driver of urban policy. Building on this foundation, Montréal was later designated a UNESCO City of Design in 2006, reinforcing its international reputation for creativity and design excellence. Since 2006, Montréal has delivered more than 50 design and architecture competitions across projects of all scales, from urban furniture to major infrastructure. This approach embeds design quality and innovation in every aspect of the city’s development. Home to 2.1 million residents, Montréal accounts for 24 percent of Québec’s population, with a workforce in which 41 percent are bilingual in French and English. This linguistic and cultural duality underpins the city’s creativity, international connectivity, and economic dynamism.Design Leadership Innovation in Urban Development Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Photo credit: Adobe Stock Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaSan Francisco, USANairobi, KenyaMontréal, CanadaUtrecht, NetherlandsMedellín, ColombiaPhysical and Social Infrastructure Resilience and Wellbeing Sustainability and Circularity