05/28/2026
From the Atlantic to the world, Governo Regional da Madeira becomes the first Frontrunner Island globally and Portugal’s official Frontrunner city.
Following a comprehensive review process conducted by the Urban Economy Forum (UEF), and based on the criteria of the Frontrunner Cities Initiative, the Autonomous Region of Madeira has been selected as the world’s first Frontrunner Island. This recognition reflects Madeira’s outstanding leadership in sustainability, innovation, resilience, blue economy, digital transition, circular economy, and future-oriented territorial development.
The Frontrunner Cities Initiative was developed by Reza Pourvaziry Founder and Chair of the Urban Economy Forum and the World Urban Pavilion, and has been expanded through internationally developed criteria and collaborative frameworks involving leading academic and global institutions, including collaborations associated with Harvard University.
Through a Memorandum of Understanding signed between José Manuel Rodrigues, Regional Secretary for Economy of the Autonomous Region of Madeira, and Reza Pourvaziry, this partnership establishes the strategic framework for advancing Madeira as a global Frontrunner Island through a coordinated action plan and implementation milestones.
This initiative is designed not only as a recognition platform, but as an operational mechanism for transformation. The Frontrunner Cities Initiative will create a pipeline of innovative projects, investment-ready programs, international collaborations, and scalable urban and island solutions while expanding access to global investment networks, sustainable finance mechanisms, ESG partnerships, and impact-driven development opportunities.
Through this partnership, Madeira joins UEF’s international network of sustainable cities and territories and becomes connected to the Global Platform for Urban Finance, helping accelerate innovation ecosystems, policy exchange, implementation capacity, and SDG-aligned development.
As stated by the Regional Secretary for Economy, this partnership represents “an ethical commitment to the destiny of our insularity.” Madeira embraces its island identity not as a limitation, but as a strategic advantage a bridge connecting regions, cultures, economies, and futures through innovation and vision.
More than a declaration, this initiative is about implementation, collaboration, measurable impact, and sharing best practices with cities and islands worldwide.
Madeira is no longer only an island in the Atlantic; it is now a global Frontrunner Island for the world.
