9—10 September
Barbican Centre

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A catalytic moment.

Over two powerful days, the Barbican Centre came alive with inspirational keynotes, provocative discussions, intimate conversations, dynamic workshops, book launches, unconferences, and hands-on activations.

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In the press.

'The ‘Olympics of design’ returns to London with a call to action'

'New designers to look out for in 2025 – from 3D printed buildings to fuzzy chairs made from agave'

'Norman Foster announced as headline speaker at World Design Congress'

Meet some of the leading organisations coming to Congress.

“For too long creativity has been the missing ingredient in the urgent conversations about the future of our planet.”

Thomas Heatherwick
Designer and Founder of Heatherwick Studio

Design for Planet.

The effects of climate change are more evident than ever, and this global crisis needs a global response.

Designers and commissioners of design all around the world have a critical role to play in designing a regenerative future by reducing carbon emissions and increasing biodiversity: Design shapes the world and holds huge power.

Together we can design a better future.

  • 1

    Driving zero emissions through innovation, technology, and behavior change.

  • 2

    Reimagining materials, re-using waste and creating a fair, circular economy.

  • 3

    Regenerating places by reviving biodiversity and building skills for people to care for their community and environment.

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“London has always been a thriving hub for world-leading design. The World Design Congress will be an excellent opportunity to showcase the talents of our creative community, as leaders from across the world unite to put design at the heart of our efforts to address climate change.”

Sadiq Khan
Mayor of London

A return to London.

For the first time in over 50 years, the World Design Congress returned to London.

London hosted the sixth edition in 1969 at the Southbank Centre. It was attended by almost 1,000 participants from 39 countries and welcomed special guest of honour H.R.H. Princess Margaret. To celebrate, the Design Council's Design Centre in Haymarket London held an exhibition titled "Design '69" to showcase the best examples in design from 22 countries.

On 9-10 September, we hosted the event at the iconic Barbican Centre, recognised worldwide for its brutalist architectural style and commitment to sustainable design.