On Saturday, November 16, 2024, San Diego/Tijuana—this year's World Design Capital—officially passed the prestigious title to the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region during a ceremonial convocation in San Diego, California. For the first time, a German region now claims the global stage as World Design Capital. Awarded biennially by the Canada-based World Design Organization, the title recognizes cities and regions that leverage design as a catalyst for social and environmental innovation. The ceremony brought together Todd Gloria, Mayor of San Diego, and Illya Haro, Director of IMAC (Tijuana's Municipal Institute of Arts and Culture), representing Ismael Burgueño, Mayor of Tijuana. Frankfurt's Lord Mayor Mike Josef underscored the award's significance for the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region in a video address.

"This recognition as WDC 2026 has tremendous power to drive change in our society," Mike Josef reflects. That transformation will take shape throughout 2026 through an expansive participatory program centered on the theme Design for Democracy. Atmospheres for a better life. "In just five months, we've received over 1,000 project ideas—submissions from individuals, cultural institutions, businesses, universities, and countless others across Frankfurt Rhine-Main. It's a powerful reminder that people want to shape change and be part of building a future worth living." The Frankfurt Rhine-Main region has long been a hub for exchange and progress: "We're home to St. Paul's Church, where Germany's first elected parliament convened in 1848. That legacy is what we're carrying forward," Josef notes.

Frankfurt Rhine-Main and San Diego/Tijuana share a vision that resonates deeply in today's world: both regions champion design as a unifying force—one that bridges divides and propels sustainable urban development forward. Josef elaborates: "San Diego and Tijuana have demonstrated how design connects people, builds solidarity, and dissolves barriers. That's essential in times like these. As we grapple with today's challenges, we must be bold in experimenting with new solutions."

San Diego's Mayor Gloria reinforces this vision, highlighting design's potential for the San Diego/Tijuana region as the first cross-border World Design Capital: "Our partnership with colleagues in Tijuana has never been stronger, and this year's achievements will fuel continued collaboration and innovation across our region. We're honored to set an example and demonstrate the transformative power of design in bringing cities together."

Tijuana's Mayor Burgueño adds: "This award gave us a rare platform to show the world what cross-border collaboration looks like in our region. It's allowed us to celebrate the design talent and creative achievements of our community. I'm excited to champion the creative and cultural industries that strengthen our cultural identity and drive economic and social progress across our binational region." Mayor Mike Josef's complete video message is available at wdc2026.org and will also be shared across social media channels.

World Design Organisation (WDO)®
The World Design Organisation (WDO)® is an international non-governmental organisation and the global voice of industrial design. It champions design for a better world by advancing knowledge about industry-driven innovation—solutions that enhance economic, social, cultural, and environmental quality of life. Today, the WDO represents over 215 member organisations spanning thousands of industrial designers across the globe. wdo.org

World Design Capital (WDC)®
Awarded biennially by the World Design Organisation (WDO)®, the World Design Capital (WDC)® title recognises cities excelling in design-driven economic, social, cultural, and environmental advancement. Each title holder showcases a year-long programme of events highlighting fair, sustainable, and innovative design solutions that elevate quality of life. Previous title holders include Turin (Italy, 2008), Seoul (South Korea, 2010), Helsinki (Finland, 2012), Cape Town (South Africa, 2014), Taipei (Taiwan, 2016), Mexico City (Mexico, 2018), Lille Metropole (France, 2020), Valencia (Spain, 2022), and San Diego (USA)/Tijuana (Mexico, 2024). The Frankfurt Rhine-Main region holds the title for 2026.

wdo.org/programmes/wdc/