Qatar Museums has launched the Green Humanitarian Design Competition, a collaborative initiative with Asahikawa, Japan, under the auspices of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). The competition invites young designers aged 16-30 from both cities to submit concepts for sustainable and impactful products addressing global challenges. Registration for the design competition is now open and will close December 15, 2025.
The initiative, announced by Qatar Museums, stems from a partnership between the UNESCO Cities of Design – Doha and Asahikawa – and aims to foster innovation in sustainable design. The competition will run from November 2025 through July 2026, and is part of Qatar Museums’ wider “Evolution Nation” campaign celebrating 50 years of cultural development in the nation.
Fostering Sustainable Design Through International Collaboration
The core of the design competition rests on the challenge of transforming locally sourced waste materials into functional objects. Participants are encouraged to create practical and affordable items like furniture, tools, or small-scale systems that serve a humanitarian purpose. A key aspect of the submission requirements involves integrating cultural motifs from the partner city, bolstering cultural exchange.
Competition Details and Timeline
Interested individuals can register by emailing internationalqm.org.qa, providing their full name, occupation, education, email address, and mobile number. Comprehensive competition guidelines, including specific criteria for evaluation, are available on the Qatar Museums website.
The competition will unfold over several months. It’s structured to include mentorship sessions for participants, offering guidance and support in refining their concepts. A panel of expert judges will then evaluate submitted designs based on criteria such as sustainability, innovation, and cultural relevance.
Selected designers will also benefit from exchange visits between Doha and Asahikawa. These visits aim to facilitate direct interaction, knowledge sharing, and a deeper understanding of each city’s design landscape, according to Qatar Museums. This exchange program is intended to enrich the design process and promote cross-cultural learning.
Dr. Fatema Hassan Al Sulaiti, Director of International Cooperation and Government Affairs at Qatar Museums, emphasized the program’s purpose, stating that the competition showcases “how creativity can drive meaningful change.” She highlighted the focus on empowering young designers to address challenges through innovative and sustainable solutions.
Qatar’s Commitment to Creative Industries
This initiative aligns with Qatar’s broader strategy to position itself as a regional and global hub for arts, culture, and creative industries. Qatar’s investment in cultural infrastructure, including numerous museums and cultural institutions managed by Qatar Museums, demonstrates this commitment. The “Evolution Nation” campaign supports this ambition with its showcase of Qatar’s artistic milestones.
The increasing emphasis on sustainability within Qatar’s design sector mirrors a global trend, driven by growing environmental concerns and a desire for more responsible consumption. This competition is positioned as a platform for showcasing solutions aligned with these principles. Furthermore, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network provides a framework for international collaboration and knowledge exchange in these areas.
Meanwhile, Asahikawa, Japan, also boasts a strong reputation in design, particularly relating to woodcraft and sustainable practices. The partnership leverages the strengths of both cities, creating a synergistic environment for innovation. The collaboration aims to showcase approaches to responsible design inspired by local resources and traditions.
The next step involves final registration and the submission of initial design concepts. The deadline for registration is December 15, 2025. The selection of mentorship participants and the scheduling of exchange visits are anticipated in early 2026, but specifics are subject to change and will be announced through Qatar Museums’ official channels. The ultimate unveiling of winning designs and potential implementation pathways will be a key development to watch following the July 2026 culmination of the competition.
