NewCities to Open Head Office in Montréal
December 18, 2015 — Press
- Leading non-profit on cities and innovation to make Montréal a world leader in urban thought leadership
- Move has support of municipal, provincial and federal governments
Montréal, December 18, 2015 – NewCities (NC) today announced its decision to locate its head office in Montréal. The international non-profit organization, whose mission is to foster urban development through innovation, also has offices in Paris, New York and Zurich. The announcement follows the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding between NewCities and Montréal International.
Founded in 2010 in Geneva, Switzerland, NC enjoys wide support from the private sector, civil society and academia around the world. Members of the organization include Cisco, Ericsson, Bombardier Transportation, Citigroup, Google, Schneider Electric and other corporates around the world, as well as educational institutions and NGO’s such as Ashoka, Metropolis, The Climate Group, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, HEC (Paris), Mori Memorial Foundation and Urban China Initiative.
“Our decision to come to Montréal is a very important milestone in our global expansion strategy and in our efforts to find and implement real solutions to urban development issues,” said John Rossant, Founder and Chairman of NC. “We could not have chosen a better or more appropriate base for our global activities than Montréal. It is not only Canada’s international city, it is also a city of huge innovation, boldness and youth.”
Montréal International is providing NC with strategic support throughout the process, with financial assistance from Canada Economic Development for Québec Regions, Québec’s Ministère des Relations internationales et de la Francophonie, and the City of Montréal.
“NewCities is now one of the international organizations that help enhance Greater Montréal’s international profile. Its role will be to define urban planning best practices and reinforce Montréal’s position as a leader in smart and sustainable urban development. What’s more, its presence in the city will help build partnerships that will benefit the entire country,” said the Honourable Navdeep Singh Bains, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
“NewCities’ move to Montréal shows how appealing Québec is to international organizations thanks to its solid business environment and dynamic academic community. We can be proud that we are recognized as a hotbed for innovation and new ideas around the world and that our reputation attracts up-andcoming dynamic organizations like NewCities,” explained Christine St-Pierre, Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie.
“Cities nowadays are recognized as key drivers of sustainable economic, social and environmental development. That is why Montréalers are proud to welcome NewCities to Montréal. This partnership will enhance Montréal’s reputation and appeal, while giving us the opportunity to show how committed we are to making our city a leader in innovation and smart urban solutions,” said the Honourable Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montréal.
According to Stéphanie Allard, Vice-President, International Organizations, Montréal International, international organizations in Montréal generate each year over $300 million in economic spin-offs and maintain over 1,500 quality direct jobs. “We understand just how strategic international organizations are to Montréal, and we are determined to see them grow and expand in our region. We are thrilled to welcome the head office of NC, an organization recognized internationally for its leadership and extensive urban development expertise, and we look forward to helping it grow and build partnerships in the region,” she said.
Montréal is one of the largest hubs for international organizations in North America – more than 60- after Washington, D.C., and New York City.
Ends
Press contact:
Thomas Ledwell
Director of Communications
NewCities
tledwell@newcitiesfoundation.org
+1 514 987 0029
About NewCities
NewCities is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to making cities more inclusive, connected, healthy and vibrant. Focusing on people, places and policies, we bring together a global network of public and private sector leaders and Urban Tech innovators to foster results-oriented collaboration. We also produce actionable research that can be implemented by decision-makers across sectors.
www.newcities.org
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