Every two years, the World Design Organization (WDO) recognizes a city for using innovative design to foster economic growth, enrich social experiences, and promote environmental sustainability. San Diego and Tijuana will celebrate the designation this 2024 through unique experiences, from events and festivals to exhibitions and summits.

Through their successful bid, the sister cities, also known as the busiest border in the world, presented a compelling narrative of cross-border collaboration, emphasizing the important role of technology and innovation in building more interconnected communities.

Countless organizations, businesses, and volunteers on both sides of the border were instrumental in ensuring San Diego and Tijuana submitted a compelling and thoughtful bid. A three-day site visit was hosted by both cities through important stops such as UC San Diego’s Design and Innovation Building, Balboa Park, Chicano Park in Barrio Logan, our terminal Cross Border Xpress (CBX) and the U.S. Mexico Border, the Tijuana Cultural Center (CECUT), among others.

“Our designation as a World Design Capital is an opportunity for us to highlight to the world the unique interconnectedness of our region and tell the story of seven million people who live, work, and partner together in exceptional ways”, expressed gratefully Montserrat Caballero, Tijuana Mayor. This acknowledgment, granted to these two cities by the WDO in May 2023, marks a significant achievement of their urban development and turns the spotlight into what they have to offer for its residents and travelers in the near future. In 2024, this designation offers our region a year-long international platform for design, featuring distinctive experiences and events that talk about innovation and unite our communities in celebrating the exceptional qualities that define San Diego and Tijuana.

CBX invites you to live the binational experience of these two cities, serving as more than just a terminal but it's a gateway to a world of interconnectedness and creativity. Explore the unique blend of cultures, witness the transformative power of design, and be part of a community that thrives on collaboration.