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The World Design Organization (WDO) concluded its World Design Congress 2025 on Sept. 11, drawing more than 1,200 participants to the Barbican Centre in London for a three-day event focused on Design for Planet. The hybrid congress, held from Sept. 9-11 in collaboration with WDO Promotional Member the Design Council, highlighted the role of design in addressing global environmental and social challenges.
The event featured keynote presentations from some of the world’s most influential design leaders, including Lord Norman Foster, Julia Watson, Thomas Heatherwick, Marianna Mazzucato, Indy Johar, Charlot Magayi, and Brian Eno. Speakers emphasized how design can catalyze regenerative change, exploring innovative approaches to sustainable architecture, urban planning, and social impact design.
One of the congress’s most notable moments was the announcement of renowned industrial designer Dieter Rams as the laureate of the World Design Medal 2025. Professor Klaus Klemp, managing director of the Rams Foundation, accepted the award on his behalf and praised Rams’ lifelong advocacy for design that improves the human experience and the planet.
The congress also celebrated Busan, South Korea’s official designation as World Design Capital 2028. Mayor Heong-joon Park of Busan accepted the honor during the event, highlighting the city’s vision under the theme Inclusive City, Engaged Design. “This designation as World Design Capital is not just an honorary title or a one-time accolade,” Mayor Park said. “It will serve as a turning point for innovative change and development in both the quality of life of our citizens and multiple aspects of our city.”
On the final day, WDO members convened for the organization’s 34th General Assembly at the Design Museum. Among the key activities was the election of the 2025-2027 Board of Directors, including President Pradyumna Vyas of India, President-Elect Makiko Tsumura of Japan, and board members from Italy, Spain, Mexico, Hong Kong, Canada, Taiwan, India, South Korea, and Japan. Vyas, in his inaugural address, underscored the importance of design in solving contemporary global challenges. “This year’s Congress in London reminded us of the extraordinary potential of design when it is placed in the service of people and planet,” he said.
The General Assembly also announced programming for the next term, including the 35th World Design Congress to be held in Seoul, South Korea, in September 2027 under the theme Design for Sustainable Life. Seoul previously served as World Design Capital in 2010, and the event will coincide with WDO’s 70th anniversary as the international body representing industrial design. Kang-heui Cha, CEO of the Seoul Design Foundation, said the congress will “open the future of design that will captivate the world.”
In addition, the WDO President’s Award for 2025 was presented to corporate member Andreu World, recognizing its contributions to sustainable materials, circular business models, and responsible manufacturing practices, as well as active engagement in WDO initiatives.
The World Design Organization is a global non-governmental organization representing industrial design. With over 215 member organizations worldwide, WDO promotes design-driven innovation that enhances the economic, social, cultural, and environmental quality of life.
