The prestigious World Design Congress is coming to London again in 2025, for the first time in over 50 years. The World Design Congress 2025 brings together design innovators, business leaders and academic thinkers from around the globe, to exchange ideas around this year’s theme, that’s Design for Planet.

The 34th edition of this biannual design event will take place at the iconic Barbican Centre, featuring two days of thought-provoking keynotes, engaging breakout sessions, and opportunities for meaningful connections. Don’t miss this pivotal moment as the design community comes together to address the climate and nature crises.

The two-day conference, taking place on September 9-10, followed by the one-day WDO General Assembly on 11 September, will coincide with the London Design Festival.

Discover London Design Festival 2024

The World Design Congress 2025 is in London

After a 50-year hiatus, the World Design Congress is making its way back to the UK, with London chosen as the host city against fierce international competition. Recognised as a global design capital, London will host the main event alongside the London Design Festival, complemented by regional showcases highlighting the UK’s vibrant design sector.

The city last hosted the Congress in 1969 at the Southbank Centre, attracting nearly 1,000 delegates from 39 countries and featuring H.R.H. Princess Margaret as the guest of honour. To celebrate, the Design Council’s Design Centre in Haymarket showcased the best in global design with its “Design ’69” exhibition.

Since its inception in 1959, the World Design Congress has convened every two years in cities like Tokyo, Hyderabad, Turin, and Montreal, fostering discussions on the most pressing design challenges of the times.

Discover Clerkenwell Design Week in London

The 2025 Edition: A Celebration of Design and Sustainability

Set against the iconic backdrop of the Barbican Centre, renowned for its brutalist architecture and commitment to sustainability, the 2025 Congress promises to inspire and innovate. Opened in 1982, the Barbican serves as a hub for arts, learning, and conferences. The venue’s ongoing Barbican Renewal project, in partnership with the Design Council, is repurposing underused spaces to foster creativity without expanding its physical footprint.

Design for Planet: a Call to Action

The impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly undeniable, demanding a unified global response. Designers and design commissioners worldwide hold a pivotal responsibility in shaping a regenerative future by cutting carbon emissions and fostering biodiversity. Here’s how we can lead the way:
Advancing Zero Emissions Harness innovation, leverage technology, and promote behavioral changes to drive a transition toward zero emissions.
Reimagining Resources Prioritize sustainable materials, embrace waste reuse, and foster a fair, circular economy to reduce environmental impact.
Restoring Ecosystems Revive biodiversity, regenerate communities, and empower individuals with the skills needed to nurture their environments and create thriving spaces. Together, we can design solutions that not only address the challenges of today but also build a sustainable, equitable, and flourishing planet for generations to come.

Discover The Design Conference at BDOW in Hong Kong

5 Top World Class Designers Ambassadors

Five prominent figures in design are leading the charge for the Design for Planet mission as Ambassadors for the 2025 Congress. 

Tom Dixon

A self-taught designer from Tunisia, he became globally renowned for his innovative creations. Tom Dixon‘s iconic works include the ‘S Chair’ for Cappellini and the Jack light, which made him a design icon. In 2002, Dixon founded his eponymous brand, creating a wide range of products and earning an O.B.E. in 2001. Through Design Research Studio, launched in 2007, he has completed high-profile interior projects like Shoreditch House and the Mondrian Hotel. His first major Australian project is the Quay Quarter Tower.

Es Devlin

Es Devlin is an artist and stage designer whose work explores biodiversity, linguistic diversity, and AI-generated poetry. Her projects span public sculptures at Tate Modern, the V&A, and the UN, kinetic stage designs for the Royal Opera House and National Theatre, and major performances for Beyoncé, The Weeknd, and U2. Her accolades include the London Design Medal, along with a CBE and recognition as Royal Designer for Industry.

Dr. Lesley Lokko OBE

An architect, academic, and novelist, Lokko is the founder of the African Futures Institute and 2024 Royal Gold Medal recipient, recognised for her efforts to democratise architecture.

Suhair Khan

She’s a cultural strategist bridging technology and the arts. As a senior executive at Google, she led projects like Google Arts & Culture, driving initiatives to preserve and share cultural heritage.

Foday Dumbuya

Founder of LABRUM London, Dumbuya blends West African heritage with British style, crafting menswear that celebrates storytelling and cultural fusion. A recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design, his work exemplifies thoughtful craftsmanship.

World Design Organization

1957 – On June 29, ICSID (International Council of Societies of Industrial Designers) was officially established in London. The organization was registered in Paris. Today, the Secretariat is in Montreal (Quebec, Canada). 

1959 – The inaugural Icsid Congress and General Assembly took place in Stockholm, Sweden. During this event, the Icsid Constitution was adopted, along with the first official definition of industrial design. Membership had grown to 23 members from 17 countries. The organization’s name was updated to the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design.

1981 – The first joint Congress of Icsid, the International Council of Graphic Design Associations (Icograda), and the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI) was held in Helsinki. This event marked the beginning of a closer collaborative relationship among the organizations.

2017 – On January 1, Icsid was officially renamed the World Design Organization.

Why attend

Highlights of the 2025 Congress

The Venue

The Barbican Centre, renowned for its brutalist architecture and commitment to sustainability, will serve as the venue. Its ongoing Barbican Renewal project, a collaboration with the Design Council, emphasizes repurposing over expansion.

The Program

The two-day event will feature keynotes, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities.

The Ambassadors

Five leading design figures will champion the “Design for Planet” mission:
Tom Dixon OBE
Es Devlin CBE
Dr. Lesley Lokko OBE
Suhair Khan
Foday Dumbuya

World Design Congress, London, September 9-10, 2025

Venue: Barbican Centre, London 
World Design Congress is for professional
Hosted by Design Council, in collaboration with World Design Organization
Admission tickets and more info on website WorldDesignCongressLondon.com  

Some images of the Barbican Centre in London (from Barbican Centre website)