HELSINKI, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Finnish capital Helsinki has won the title of World Design Capital for 2012. The honor was bestowed on Wednesday at the World Design Congress in Singapore, Finnish media reported.

    The congress, which is organized by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design, is currently meeting in Singapore.

    A total of 46 cities from 27 countries applied for the title. The distinction is awarded every other year. Helsinki beat out theDutch city of Eindhoven for the title. The title is designed to highlight cities that use design to improve the social, cultural and economic life of its residents.

    The winner of the title must organize design-related events throughout the year. The title is expected to bring a number of design events to the Finnish capital throughout the year. Jussi Pajunen, the mayor of Helsinki, said the city council would begin preparations at once.

    "Helsinki has not been in the global spotlight in such a way since the 1952 Olympics. The international design community will be paying attention to the city," said Helsinki's cultural director Pekka Timonen.