WHAT DESIGN
CAN DO
06.06.2025.
WDCD 2025
WDCD 2025 revolves around three interconnected themes, each unpacking a core challenge of our time.
- Climate Futurism invites us to rethink what progress looks like. Beyond carbon targets and efficiency metrics, how can design help regenerate systems and shift entire worldviews? This isn’t greenwashing—it’s about long-term resilience and radically local solutions.
- Truth to Power tackles the murky terrain of manipulation, disinformation, and AI’s role in shaping narratives. How can creatives wield new tools with integrity? Expect conversations on ethical storytelling, digital justice, and the politics of visibility.
- Belonging Beyond Borders is perhaps the most personal of the three. With growing tensions around migration and identity, this theme explores how design can build spaces—physical, cultural, emotional—where everyone feels seen and heard.
Together, they form a lens through which design is not just decorative or problem-solving, but deeply political.
FESTIVAL PROGRAMME
02.06.2025 10:00
Next Gen Design Residency in Amsterdam
Ten European challenge winners will take part in a one-week, 2-6 June, residency programme in Amsterdam, designed to foster exchange, growth, and collaboration.
06.06.2025 21:00
Edu Talk with Mary Nyaruai Mureithi
Mary Nyaruai Mureithi
Kenyan changemaker and founder of NYUNYI
Edu Talk with Monish Siripurapu
Monish Siripurapu
Indian architect and climate innovator behind Ant Studio
06.06.2025 21:30
Edu Talk with Thami Schweichler
Thami Schweichler
Social Entrepreneur and Founder of Makers Unite
06.06.2025 22:00
Next Gen Design EXHIBITION Opening: Next Gen Expo
Explore all 52 winning projects of the European design challenge in a vibrant exhibition showcasing creative, bold and practical ideas for a more sustainable future.
The Exhibition will take place at the Pakhuis de Zwijger
05.07.2024.
Using design for positive impact
This summer, hundreds of creatives, activists, policymakers and start-ups will meet in Amsterdam for the 12th edition of WDCD Live. This year’s festival will take place at the beautiful Muziekgebouw and features an immersive programme on design and climate justice.
Leading the conversation will be a line-up of rebellious thinkers, makers and doers from around the world: including fashion designer Bobby Kolade, architect Afaina de Jong, graphic designer Clive Russell, as well as the winners of the global Redesign Everything Challenge. Join us to explore how creative activism can be a powerful tool for disruption.
During the festival, we’ll explore what this might look like in practice through the lens of three core themes: Designing for Climate Justice, From Ancient Knowledge to AI, and Designing for the Circular Transition.
The main stage programme will present talks by over eight leading figures in the creative industry, along with a series of musical performances designed to energise the crowd. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage more deeply through the breakout programme, which includes smaller workshops and panel discussions on themes such as cultural heritage, community-building, and the role of new technologies.
FESTIVAL PROGRAMME
14.11.2024 08:30
NO WASTE WORKSHOP
Facilitator/lecturer: Lara Snatager (WDCD) and Tugce Akbulut (WDCD)
05.07.2024 10:00
The Re-Generation: Manifesting Climate Futures Beyond 2050
Developed with design research agency STBY
Facilitators: Gustavo Nogueira de Menezes, Sophie Tendai Christiaens & Katy Barnard
Speaker: Natsai Audrey Chieza, Founder and CEO of Faber Futures / Co-Founder of Normal Phenomena of Life (NPOL)
05.07.2024 17:30
Creativity and the Climate Movement
Graphic design as a tool for activism
Clive Russell
Co-Founder of This Ain’t Rock’n’Roll / Co-Founded of the Ocean Rebellion/ Graphic Designer
05.07.2024 16:30
Waste Colonialism and the Fashion Industry
Upcycling waste textiles into fashion and addressing the impact of waste colonialism
Bobby Kolade
Fashion Designer
05.07.2024 15:00
Biodesign for a Planet First Future
Embracing nature as an ally in sustainable innovation
Natsai Audrey Chieza
Founder and CEO of Faber Futures / Co-Founder of Normal Phenomena of Life (NPOL)