'Olympics of design' returns to London after half-century

Hundreds of internationally renowned designers, business leaders and educators are expected to descend on London's Barbican Centre in September for the World Design Congress. The event, dubbed 'the Olympics of design, is being held in London for the first time since 1969.

With the theme of 'Design for Planet', the Congress provides a once in a generation opportunity to showcase the best of UK design and innovation, and to display leadership in harnessing design to address the climate and nature crisis. Taking place on September 9 and 10, the Congress will take place in conjunction with the London Design Festival (September 13-21), providing an extended focus on UK design capabilities.

The prestigious Congress will be run by the UK’s Design Council on behalf of the World Design Organization, and will feature key figures from the international design community as well as thought leaders to discuss and debate design issues of global importance.

The Design Council has revealed five ambassadors for the World Design Congress, representing the forefront of British design. These leaders include artist and stage designer, Es Devlin; industrial designer, Tom Dixon; fashion designer; Foday Dumbuya; creative and technology leader, Suhair Khan; and architect, Professor Lesley Lokko OBE.

The five ambassadors will advocate for sustainable design practices, raise awareness and help select 20 emerging design innovators to be profiled as the 25 for 2025, a cohort showcasing cutting-edge solutions to environmental challenges. The ‘25 for 2025’ designers will be profiled on the soon to launch digital platform.

Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, said: 'As a global design capital, London is proud to be hosting the World Design Congress for the first time in 50 years,’  ‘It will bring together the world’s leading creatives and show the vital role of design in addressing the climate crisis and boosting the green economy. We are looking forward to showcasing our city’s contribution, as we build a greener London for all.’

More on the World Design Congress.

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