GENEVA, Switzerland— The City of Lowell, Massachusetts, was honored this week at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva as the first U.S. city to be designated a “Frontrunner City” under the Global Frontrunner Cities Initiative—a major international recognition of innovation-driven and sustainable urban transformation.
The initiative is led by the Urban Economy Forum (UEF) in partnership with the UN University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) and the World Urban Pavilion (WUP) powered by Daniels. This historic designation highlights Lowell as a global model for cities committed to aligning local development with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A Global Celebration of Local Innovation
The recognition was celebrated during a special session at the Palais des Nations, where international dignitaries, UN officials, urban planners, academics, and Lowell city leaders gathered to mark the milestone.
Lowell Mayor Daniel P. Rourke described the city as “a place where inclusive ideas take root and communities lead the way.” Echoing this sentiment, U.S. Congresswoman Lori Trahan, a Lowell native, said the city is “setting the standard for urban transformation in America.”
Reza Pourvaziry, Chair of the Urban Economy Forum, called the initiative “a space where vision, innovation, and sustainability converge,” while Dr. Kaveh Madani of UNU-INWEH emphasized that “Lowell proves local leadership can shape global resilience.”
A City Reimagining Itself
Once known for its industrial past, Lowell is now being recognized as a model of forward-thinking urban redevelopment. Its designation as a Frontrunner City underscores how communities can build inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban environments by leveraging innovation, education, and strategic partnerships.
Chancellor Julie Chen of UMass Lowell noted that the city serves as “a living laboratory” for students and researchers, adding that “our work here will shape solutions not just for Lowell, but for cities around the world.”
City Manager Thomas A. Golden, Jr. called the designation a symbol of Lowell’s ambition: “We are a city where partnerships turn into real growth, real opportunity, and real benefits for every family.”
A Vision with Global Impact
Urban leaders and planning experts from across the world praised Lowell’s approach. Eduardo Moreno (WUP) called it a “symbolic and actionable model” for other historic cities. ISOCARP President Elisabeth Belpaire noted that Lowell demonstrates how global frameworks can yield meaningful, local results.
