Valencia strengthens its international creative leadership by hosting the World Industrial Design Day 2025

Last Friday, València became the epicenter of global design by hosting, for the first time in Spain, the celebration of World Industrial Design Day, an event broadcast live worldwide and dedicated to discussing the ethical principles of design. The event was organized by Andreu World in collaboration with the Fundació del Disseny, the World Design Organization, and the València City Council through València Innovation Capital.

Paula Llobet, Councillor for Tourism, Innovation and Investment Attraction at Valencia.

 
Today, Sunday, June 29th, is World Industrial Design Day, and we’re celebrating it from València, which once again became the epicenter of global design by hosting the World Industrial Design Day 2025, an international event led this year by Andreu World, in collaboration with the Design Foundation of the Region of Valencia, the World Design Organization, and the València City Council through València Innovation Capital. For over 16 hours last Friday, we broadcast content focused on ethics and design as shared themes, connecting with different parts of the world, with a central live hub at La Harinera, making València the host city of the main event.
 

The event was backed by the City Council of Valencia. The day was launched by Paula Llobet, Councilor for Tourism, Innovation, and Investment Attraction, who highlighted the strategic importance of design as a driver of transformation: “Often, certain sectors are unaware of the transformative impact that design can have in addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges. That is why it is essential to generate synergies between companies and the creative ecosystem. In Valencia, we have an innovative and dynamic environment that is ideal for promoting projects that not only add economic value but also contribute to collective well-being, positioning the city as an international benchmark in design-related innovation.”

For her part, Ester Olivas, Director General of Entrepreneurship and Internationalization for the Valencian Community, emphasized that “this event represents a unique opportunity to reflect on the shared responsibility that exists around the world regarding ethical design. It is a time to rethink how we design, based on values that place sustainability, inclusion, and social commitment at the center. And there is no better place to do so than Valencia, a city that has established itself as a creative force and international benchmark in the field of design.”

The intense program for the day, led in English by Andrea Springer, director of programs and communications at WDO, and Xavi Calvo, director of the Fundació del Disseny de la Comunitat Valenciana, began with a welcome from David Rosa, director of València Innovation Capital, Thomas Garvey, president of the World Design Organization, and Jesús Llinares, CEO of Andreu World, who emphasized that “celebrating World Industrial Design Day in Valencia, alongside global leaders, is a source of pride and an opportunity to reinforce our commitment to ethical and responsible design. At Andreu World, we believe that design should not only be beautiful and functional, but also conscious and committed to the planet and society. This event is not just a celebration; it is a call to action to use the power of design with wisdom and purpose.”

Ethics in design education, up for debate

 
The first round table discussion of the day focused on a key issue for the future of design: how is ethics taught in schools? Moderated by journalist Anatxu Zabalbeascoa, questions were addressed on whether ethics is truly integrated into curricula, its impact on students’ mindsets, and how to cultivate the “moral imagination” of designers. Participants included Pedro Fuentes (UPV), Nacho Lavernia (EASD València), Carmen García (student at CEU UCH University), Nita Yudita (international designer with a critical and social perspective) and Pradyumna Vyas (member of WDO Board and president-elect). All agreed on the need to go beyond theory to incorporate ethics as a cross-cutting theme in creative education.

Towards a code of ethics for design in Spain

 
The second panel proposed a much-needed debate: how to define a common ethical framework for the profession. Once again moderated by Zabalbeascoa, the conversation brought together representatives from professional associations and guilds, including Clara del Portillo (ADCV), Sergio Sánchez (READ), Diana Artíguez (CDICV), Carlos Salazar (CTAV), and Inma Bermúdez, 2022 National Design Award in Spain. Key issues were discussed, such as ethical limits in commissions, economic dilemmas, and the importance of creating standards that protect both designers and society. Everyone shared real experiences about difficult decisions and agreed that ethics must be an active part of professional practice.

A proactive look at the ethical debate

 
Kike Correcher opened the second block of the day with a direct and insightful speech that invited reflection on the meaning of design today from a practical perspective. Entitled “A proactive look at the ethical debate in design,” his speech—which straddled professional experience and critical engagement—questioned the limits and responsibilities of design today and gave rise to one of the most inspiring moments of the day. In this context, the Valencian designer presented nine design patterns that illustrate how design can inspire people to become their best selves, avoid harmful situations, and overcome social inequalities by adapting to different contexts and promoting more equitable and healthy environments.

Design and industry: sustainability, impact, and responsibility

 
The last panel, focused on industry, addressed how to integrate ethics into business decisions. With Anatxu Zabalbeascoa once again leading the conversation, speakers included Jesús Llinares (Andreu World), Benjamin Wilson (Braun), Ana Segovia (Odosdesign), and Sonia Manchanda (SPREAD Design, India). Issues such as ethics in production, responsible consumption, process redesign, and the boundaries between marketing and real commitment were discussed. All agreed on the urgency of moving from discourse to action and on the role of design as a driver of positive transformation in companies.

A global event with a legacy

 
The event was live-streamed openly by the World Design Organization and watched live by over 4,000 people from around the world as a main feature of the international World Industrial Design Day program.
The full video of the event is available on WDO’s YouTube channel HERE.

This was the first time that World Industrial Design Day was celebrated in a Spanish city, and it served to reinforce València’s legacy as World Design Capital in 2022 and current UNESCO Creative Cities Network City of Design. This World Design Day featured broad institutional, educational, business, and professional representation, confirming València as a leading city in innovation, sustainability, and ethical thinking through design.

During the break, a capsule of Andreu World’s Circular Design® Challenge was broadcast, and the event culminated with conclusions by the moderator of the round tables, Anatxu Zabalbeascoa, and a celebratory cocktail reception with more than 200 attendees.

Since 2008, World Industrial Design Day has been celebrated annually on June 29. This year, it was brought forward to Friday, June 27, to allow the event to be held for the first time in Spain, reaffirming Valencia as an international benchmark for design, after being named World Design Capital in 2022 and UNESCO City of Design in 2023.