On June 6 What Design Can Do returns to Amsterdam, turning the city into a vibrant hub of creativity, activism, and innovation. Join hundreds of creative minds to explore how design sparks real change—through truth-telling, exploring climate futures, and by redesigning belonging.
Three Urgent Themes for a Changing World
Climate Futurism
How can we help society move toward systems that renew natural resources rather than deplete them? Through this theme, we explore both visionary futures and practical circular solutions already making a difference. Design becomes a force not just for sustainability, but for societal transformation.
Truth to Power
From disinformation to injustice, power operates in shadows. Under this theme, we explore how storytelling, AI, and data can be used to illuminate the truth, hold the powerful accountable, and catalyze movements for equity and justice. Designers are challenged to wield new tools with integrity and impact.
Belonging Beyond Borders
What does it mean to belong in a fractured world? This theme calls on creatives to design for inclusion, empathy, and connection across cultures, histories, and identities. It asks: how do we create spaces—physical and emotional—where everyone feels seen and heard?
The Work is a new format afternoon programme designed for creative changemakers who want to go beyond the surface. Across workshops, expert-led sessions and interactive panels, you’ll gain practical tools, fresh insights and space to collaborate and network. These sessions go deep — exploring the urgent questions shaping climate, justice and design today, in formats that invite participation and exchange. Build your own journey with a flexible schedule that lets you choose what matters most to you. A full-day ticket (Passe Partout) to The Work includes access to the evening programme, The Celebration.
The Celebration is our plenary evening of exciting ideas and bold energy. We hand the stage to the next generation of creative climate innovators — with short pitches, powerful talks and electrifying performances. It’s a moment to get inspired and activated to create new futures. Expect a vibrant atmosphere of celebration, music and creativity — all topped off with an afterparty hosted by Sexyland Soundsystem. Tickets for The Celebration can be ordered separately (pay as you like), or are included with a pass to The Work.
Hosted by Sexyland Soundsystem
