The prestigious World Design Congress is coming to London for the first time in over 50 years. The 34th edition will be hosted by the Design Council at the Barbican Centre, recognised worldwide for its iconic brutalist architecture and commitment to sustainable design.

The World Design Organization’s two-day event takes place every two years, gathering together the international design community and thought leaders from business, research and education to discuss and debate design issues of global importance. Previous host cities have included Tokyo, Hyderabad, Torino and Montreal.

London was selected against stiff competition as home to some of the world’s best designs and designers. The main event will run in the capital, in conjunction with the London Design Festival, supported by regional moments to showcase the UK’s design sector to the global community.

Our theme for 2025 will be Design for Planet. The effects of climate change are more evident than ever and design has a crucial role to play to help reduce carbon emissions and increase biodiversity. This is a moment to convene and accelerate design’s power in building a regenerative future for all.