World Benchmarking Alliance chooses Montréal

This partnership is being carried out with the financial support of the the Government of Canada (Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions), the Government of Québec and the City of Montréal. The funding is administered by Montréal International.

The Montréal hub is WBA’s first office in North America, joining the organization’s main office in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, as well as colleagues spread across the globe. It is mandated to carry out three strategic priorities:

• Assessing North American companies’ contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals
• Deepening collaboration with local stakeholders and partners to advance sustainable development initiatives
• Advancing global agendas, such as the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework, the Pact of the Future, the Global Digital Compact, among others, alongside regional partners

“Montréal is a strategic city where international organizations and sustainable finance intersect, making it an ideal location for WBA’s North American hub. Our organization looks forward to deepening engagement with stakeholders in Montréal, Québec and Canada”, said Gerbrand Haverkamp, Executive Director of the World Benchmarking Alliance. “As an organization that collaborates with partners in both the private and public sectors to advance the Sustainable Development Goals, we are convinced that this hub will give us the right tools to amplify our global impact.”

Established in 2018, WBA assesses companies through seven systems of transformation, including energy and decarbonization, food and agriculture, nature, digital and AI, urban, social, and sustainable finance. The development of their benchmarks combines a rigorous research process integrating data analysis from public sources, as well as direct engagement with companies during the feedback cycle. The assessments and insights help stakeholders – including governments, financial institutions, civil society organisations and the media – hold companies accountable for contributing to sustainable development. The next publication will be released in January 2026, the first time the 2,000 companies will be assessed and ranked on their sustainability impact — all at once.

Quotes

“Our support to establish an international organization in Montréal dedicated to sustainable development and finance reaffirms our government’s commitment to a greener, more equitable and more resilient economy. This new office, made possible thanks to our assistance for Montréal International, will help strengthen Canada’s role on the global stage for innovative solutions to overcome major environmental and social challenges. Congratulations to all the partners on this promising initiative for the future.”

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic–Cartierville, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

“The launch of this new office will help businesses enhance their sustainable development efforts. I am proud to see WBA, an international organization, join our ecosystem and strengthen Québec’s influence throughout North America. Welcome to Québec!”

Christopher Skeete, Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie, Minister Responsible for Relations with English-Speaking Quebecers, Minister Responsible for the Fight Against Racism and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region

“Over the past eight years, we have been taking bold steps to accelerate Montréal’s green transition, build sustainable and dynamic living environments, and imagine the city of tomorrow. These efforts are bearing fruit: they are attracting the interest and confidence of major international organisations. The World Benchmarking Alliance’s decision to establish its North American headquarters in Montréal is undeniable proof of this. This new presence not only illustrates the quality of our expertise but also confirms Montréal’s leading role on the global stage in terms of ecological transition. It is with great pride that we welcome this office, which will further enhance the reputation and attractiveness of our city.”

Valérie Plante, Mayor of the City of Montréal

“The World Benchmarking Alliance’s work provides perspective on global company’s environmental impact, empowering us to make informed decisions. With this new Montréal office, the team will be able to leverage the city’s, Québec’s, and Canada’s unique expertise. This is a tremendous addition to our ecosystem of international organizations in sustainable finance and sustainable development, a new key player that reinforces Montréal’s position as a North American hub for international organizations.”

Stéphane Paquet, President and CEO of Montréal International

About the World Benchmarking Alliance

The World Benchmarking Alliance is an independent, non-profit organisation measuring how the 2,000 most influential companies impact people and planet. We do this so that everyone – including governments, financial institutions, civil society organisations and the media – can hold companies accountable for contributing to sustainable development.

About Montréal International

Montréal International is a non-profit organization funded by the private sector, the governments of Canada and Québec, the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal and the City of Montréal. Its mandate is to attract and retain foreign investment (companies and startups), international organizations and qualified talent to Greater Montréal by providing support services tailored to their needs.