World Design Capital® (WDC), designated every two years by the World Design Organization® (WDO), recognizes cities for their effective use of design to drive economic, social, cultural, and environmental development. Through a year-long programme of events, the designated city showcases best practices in sustainable design-led urban policy and innovation that improve quality of life. 

Previous WDCs include Torino (Italy) in 2008, Seoul (South Korea) in 2010, Helsinki (Finland) in 2012, Cape Town (South Africa) in 2014, Taipei (Taiwan, Chinese Taipei) in 2016 and Mexico City (Mexico) in 2018, Lille Metropole (France) in 2020. Valencia (Spain) holds the title for 2022 and San Diego-TIjuana (USA/Mexico) has been awarded the designation for 2024.

Is your city or design community thinking about WDC? Download our guide on becoming a WDC to learn where and how to begin!