New Delhi, November 21, 2024: The World Crafts Council (WCC), in collaboration with the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) and supported by the Development Commissioner of Handicrafts, has organised the inaugural edition of the World Crafts Forum 2024. Scheduled from November 22-24 in New Delhi, followed by Srinagar from November 25-27, this event commemorates the 60th anniversary of the pioneering global crafts movement led by World Crafts Council International. Founded by Smt. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, along with Ms. Margaret M. Patch and Ms. Aileen Osborn Vanderbilt Webb, India has been central to the WCC’s global initiatives. The Forum, envisioned as a futuristic flagship program of WCC, will rotate biannually across the organisation’s five geographic regions. The Forum is set to host a range of remarkable highlights. The National Crafts Museum, New Delhi, will witness two Roundtables and three Plenary Sessions, featuring over 25 national and international speakers, including Hon’ble Shri Pabitra Margherita Minister of State, Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Textiles, and senior officials from the Ministry of Textiles. Mr. Saad Al-Qaddumi, President of WCC-AISBL, Dr Kevin Murray, Vice President of WCC, and Presidents and Vice Presidents from all five WCC regions will attend the first-ever Board Meeting of WCC in India. The Forum will be a congregation of craftspeople from as many as 20 countries and artisans from across India, brought together by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), to showcase the best of traditional crafts and inspire the younger generation.

The Forum will include several standout activities. A spectacular fashion show titled “Crafting Fashion,” curated by Chairman of FDCI Sunil Sethi, on November 23, showcasing the seamless integration of crafts into couture. Additionally, a Textile Show by Aadyam, curated by Manish Saksena, will highlight the rich heritage of Indian textiles.

The International Awards of Excellence and Order of Merit will recognise individuals and organisations making exceptional contributions to the craft sector, with Hon’ble Textile Minister Giriraj Singh presenting the honours. Mr Amitabh Kant, Former CEO of NITI Aayog, will deliver the keynote address on “Crafts Connecting the World, Shaping the Future” during the inaugural event. Mr Rohit Kansal, Addnl. Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Govt of India will deliver a Special Address on “Value of Crafts & Sustainability”. A UNESCO-curated World Creative and Craft Cities Round Table will explore synergies between UNESCO Creative Cities and WCC World Crafts Cities, focusing on enhancing livelihoods and fostering sustainable economic growth.

The Forum will also see the release of the Value of Crafts Report and a commemorative 60 Years of WCC Coffee Table Book, celebrating the Council’s contributions over six decades. The event is expected to draw significant participation, with over 350 online registrations and more than 500 delegates attending across three days. providing a global platform for collaboration, cultural exchange, and the celebration of craftsmanship in the modern world.

Concluding the Forum, the WCC Diamond Jubilee Delhi Declaration will inspire a global craft revival, aiming to establish a sustainable and inclusive crafts ecosystem

Mr. Saad Al-Qaddumi, President of WCC-AISBL said before the event “World Crafts Council’s constant endeavour is to re energise the craft movement around the world and the 60 years celebration of WCC in India along with the Development Commissioner Handicrafts sets the stage for a major leap forward for WCC’s flagship programs around the world”

Dr Darlie Koshy, Strategic Advisor said “the theme” crafts connecting the world is about leveraging crafts for a resurgent creative economy and for shaping a Sustainable Future for the planet and its people”.

Somesh Singh, Steering Group Member and Craft Village Founder said “with the success of the previous International Craft weeks in Delhi, stage is set for taking crafts to the forefront to integrate and mainstream with the unprecedented strides of the country during Amrit kal along with other initiatives of the Govt of India and to place Indian Crafts on the centre stage of global crafts ecosystem being catalysed by the WCÇ AISBL”.

Smt. Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner for Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India, remarked, “This event showcases India’s commitment to preserving and promoting its diverse crafts while fostering global collaboration.”

Rohit Kansal, IAS, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India concluded, “The World Crafts Forum will mark a turning point in how crafts are perceived, creating new opportunities for artisans and building a resilient crafts ecosystem.”

The World Crafts Forum 2024, with its focus on collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, promises to be a landmark event in the global crafts movement, setting the tone for a more inclusive and vibrant future for artisans worldwide.