On March 26, 2025, the World Eco-Design Conference (WEDC 2025) was held in Bangkok, Thailand. Co-hosted by the United Nations Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries (UN Technology Bank) and the World Eco-Design Organization (WEDO), the conference focused on the theme of “Empowering LDCs, Advancing the SDGs.” The conference attracted important participants from various sectors worldwide, including representatives from Thailand, Embassies and Consulates in Thailand, academia, industry, the UN Technology Bank and the WEDO. At the conference, the unveiling of several prestigious awards established new benchmarks for advancing global eco-design.


Chiang Mai, Thailand, was awarded the City of Customization honor, standing out among numerous competing cities. For years, Chiang Mai has been at the forefront of integrating eco-design with urban development, with its achievements visible across a range of sectors, including unique architecture, public transportation, commercial operations, and resource management. These efforts perfectly align with the award's multi-dimensional criteria, which encompass design, culture, commerce, user experience, and technological innovation. Her Excellency Mrs. Serap Ersoy, Ambassador of Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Bangkok, and Mr. Wen Guoshu, Deputy Director General of the WEDO, jointly presented the award to Chiang Mai. This recognition not only celebrates the city's dedication to eco-design but also offers valuable insights for other cities looking to harness eco-design in driving sustainable urban development.


Professor Zhang Fuchang, Honorary Dean of the School of Design at Jiangnan University, was honored with the World Design Contribution Award. As one of the pioneers in China’s design education field, he has made significant contributions to design education reform, industrial design innovation, cultural revitalization, and eco-design practices. His theoretical models have advanced academic progress and earned widespread global recognition. The award was jointly presented by Mr. Deodat Maharaj, Managing Director of the UN Technology Bank, and Professor Ying Fangtian, Director General of the WEDO, in honor of Professor Zhang’s outstanding achievements and global influence in the design field.


In addition, the Art Committee was officially inaugurated at the conference with the aim of promoting the sustainable development of art and cultural creativity. The committee will facilitate global cooperation and drive innovation in art education and industry, contributing to the achievement of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Professor He Xiaoyou, Director of the Art Committee and Former Vice President of Nanjing University of the Arts, represented the committee on stage to receive the plaque and certificate presented by Professor Pichai Sonchaeng, General Secretary of Thai-Sino Association of Science and Technology and former Vice Minister of the Office of Prime Minister of the Royal Thai Government, and Professor Wan Ran, Deputy Director General of the WEDO.

This conference not only reflected on key achievements in the global eco-design field but also provided a pivotal opportunity to shape the future direction of development. Its aim was to promote high-level international cooperation, strengthen capacity building in areas such as education, industry, and innovation, and offer practical, innovative solutions to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By working together, the global community will gain a clearer sense of its responsibility and mission in driving sustainable development. The innovative power of eco-design will continue to be harnessed, laying a solid foundation for addressing global challenges and creating a greener, more inclusive future.