The theme of socially responsible design will be explored during a year-long series of events, talks and installation exhibits in Mexico City – the World Design Capital for 2018.

The organisers of the country’s leading architecture platform, Design Week Mexico, revealed the theme during Salone del Mobile Milan, which took place in the Italian city last week.

In a statement, the group said: “Mexico City, led by a young and creative design community, is a vibrant and diverse city that integrates the old and the new with innovation. For this reason, Design Week Mexico and the government of Mexico City obtained the designation to make the city 2018 World Capital of Design.

“The programming will be focused on promoting socially responsible design that generates opportunities, reestablishes dignity, transforms with respect and preserves what is valuable.”

It added that the programme “will promote the role of design and creativity as agents of social and cultural change within the urban context”; tackling internationally relevant challenges such as rapid urbanisation, housing shortages and the need to build sustainably.

The event follows on from the 2016 Venice Architecture Biennale, curated by Pritzker laureate Alejandro Aravena, which also explored the role design and urban planning can play in tackling some of the world’s greatest challenges – from natural disasters to financial constraints, pollution and crime.

“We are determined to create a moment for design professionals, creatives and the general public alike to come together and rethink the role of design in our society in an impactful way,” said Emilio Cabrero, general director of Design Week Mexico and World Design Capital 2018.