In the words of the municipal council, the choice of Bilbao as the official venue for the World Cities Summit Mayors’ Forum 2013 shows support for the city’s record in terms of urban transformation, linked to the regeneration of its river, "its emphasis on architecture and design, its promotion of green areas and the improvement of the quality of life of its people".  

In 2010,Bilbaowas awarded the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize inSingaporein recognition of its leading role in promoting the creation of an urban community that is “vibrant, liveable and sustainable” and has madeBilbaoan international benchmark.