The International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid) announced that the City of Montreal, Canada has proclaimed the first World Industrial Design Day acknowledging the importance of industrial design to its social and economic development.

The aim is to encourage inter-disciplinary collaborations, spreading an understanding of the design industry and exploring ways in which responsible design can improve quality of life.

"This proclamation supports Montreal's commitment to the five strategic directions outlined in the Montreal 2025 plan: knowledge, creativity and innovation; culture; living environment; infrastructure; and openness to the world," stated Helen Fotopulos, Montreal Executive Committee Member responsible for Culture, Heritage, Design and the Status of Women. "By proclaiming June 29th as World Industrial Design Day, we help drive the city's design development initiatives and take humble steps towards making Montreal more hospitable to its citizens."

"We are overjoyed that the City of Montreal has joined Icsid in this campaign to share the benefits industrial design can offer to quality of life throughout the world," stated Dr. Mark Breitenberg, Icsid President. "We hope that other design-focused metropolises will take Montreal's lead in a manner that will enable this international day of observance to grow, educate and create tangible change."

City of Montreal Executive Committee Member Helen Fotopulos will present the proclamation on the June 29 at an event hosted by the Association de Designers Industriels du Québec (ADIQ), Mission Design and the City of Montreal.