Open call for contributions

Join the Conversation | Shape the Future of Design for Planet

The World Design Congress 2025 invites designers, practitioners, and change-makers from around the globe to contribute their perspectives, insights, and expertise to this year’s programme.

We are opening up opportunities for exceptional voices and impactful stories to be placed within existing panels, workshops, or sessions.

This is your chance to join global experts on stage, share your work, and drive forward the conversations shaping the future of design for people and the planet.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome contributions from diverse voices across all design disciplines, as well as those working in adjacent fields, including:

• Design Practitioners (Industrial, Digital, Service, Fashion, etc.)
• Business Leaders & Policy Makers
• Artists, Technologists, and Activists

Please note if you are an academic or researcher we would signpost you to our Call for Papers and Posters.

Themes & Questions

Your submission should align with at least one of the Congress themes and address one of the following questions:

1. The Future is Here: Stories of Hope & Possibility

Can you share an example of a design innovation that is already making a measurable impact on a sustainable future?

2. Reimagining Waste: Designing for a Circular Economy

How have you used design to challenge the conventional linear economy, and what lessons have you learned from implementing circular design practices?

3. Shaping Places: Designing for Regeneration

What experience do you have of how sustainability can actively restore, regenerate, and empower communities and ecosystems?

4. Upskilling One Million Designers in Green Skills

How can cross-sector collaboration (between industry, policy, and education) accelerate the upskilling of designers in sustainable design practices?

You may submit up to one additional question or topic if you believe your work contributes uniquely to the wider Congress themes.

How to Apply

Submissions should be concise and action-oriented.

Please provide:

1. A short written response (max 300 words) to one of the questions.
2. A link to your work or evidence (website, portfolio, research, case study, etc.).
3. A short bio (max 150 words) and link to online reference like LinkedIn if appropriate.
4. Optional: You may also submit a 1-minute video introducing yourself and your idea.

Deadline for submissions: Wednesday 30th April.

Successful applicants will be notified by Friday 30th May.

Design Council reimburses successful contributers for travel expenses, including airfare (up to a cap for £800 depending on route), local ground transportation, and covers room charges directly for the necessary nights. Meals are generally provided during congress, but other meals are not reimbursed.

Selection Criteria

We are looking for contributors who:

• Bring a fresh and compelling perspective.
• Demonstrate real-world and far reaching impact and applicability.
• Align with the Congress’ mission of ‘Design for Planet’.
• Showcase diversity in thought, discipline, and background.
• Communicate clearly and engage audiences.

Please note: As a contributor, you will be integrated into an existing panel or discussion, rather than hosting an independent session.

Join us in shaping the future of design for planet!

Submit your application today