News Release December 18, 2015 Contact: Hannah Rothschild, hrothschild@newcitiesfoundation.org, +33 7 82 94 34 89 New Cities Foundation to Open Head Office in Montréal 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 The New Cities Foundation (NCF) 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 the Foundation and Montréal International. Founded in 2010 in Geneva, Switzerland, NCF 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 NCF. 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 NCF 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. The New Cities Foundation 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. New Cities Foundation s 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 the New Cities Foundation, 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 the New Cities Foundation 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 NCF, 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: Céline Clément Public Relations Director Montréal International celine.clement@mtlintl.com 514-987-9317 Hannah Rothschild Coordinator, Communications New Cities Foundation hrothschild@newcitiesfoundation.org +33 7 82 94 34 89 Catherine Maurice Press Attaché Office of the Mayor and the Executive Committee Ville de Montréal 514-346-7598 François Caouette Press attaché Office of the Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie 418-649-2319
About the New Cities Foundation The New Cities Foundation is an independent non-profit organization whose mission is to shape a better urban future for all. The Foundation conducts pragmatic research on solutions to challenges facing cities, launches initiatives to drive urban progress, and builds, empowers, and convenes a global network in support of its goals. The Foundation convenes the leading events on urban innovation, including the annual New Cities Summit. The Summit hosts an affiliate organization, the Global Cultural Districts Network (www.gcdn.net) which promotes knowledge sharing, original research and new partnerships among cultural districts, both planned and existing, across the world. In all of its activities, the Foundation works with entrepreneurs and leaders from business, government, academia, civil society, the media and the arts. The Foundation was created in 2010 and is financed by its members and partners, which include some of the most forwardthinking companies who share a passion for the future of our cities. The Foundation is based in Geneva and its head office will soon be in Montréal with smaller offices in Paris, New York and Zurich. A Hong Kong office will be opened in early 2016. www.newcitiesfoundation.org Facebook: /NewCitiesFoundation Twitter: @newcitiesfound
About Montréal International Montréal International (MI) acts as an economic driver for Greater Montréal to attract foreign wealth while accelerating the success of its partners and clients. Its role is to attract foreign investment, international organizations and skilled workers to Greater Montréal, and promote the region s competitive environment. MI also works to find the best ways to position the region as an attractive investment destination, and make recommendations to various levels of government to support Québec s job-creating, high-value-added industries. Created in 1996, Montréal International is a non-profit organization funded by the private sector, the governments of Canada and Québec, the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (Montréal Metropolitan Community) and the City of Montréal. To view the Greater Montréal interactive business map go to: montrealinternational.com/business-map/ To join Contact MTL, the Greater Montréal ambassadors network, go to: contactmtl.com/en/ www.montrealinternational.com