International Conference on Design, Democracy, Diplomacy

Joint conference of The New Club of Paris and the World Capital Institute is under the title of Design-Democracy-Diplomacy, which builds on the key aspects of the capitals-based system, including cultural, intellectual, connected, societal, and urban capital.

Set within the global context of Frankfurt World Design Capital 2026 and the Frankfurt Book Fair, the focus of the next joint academic conference of The New Club of Paris and the World Capital Institute is under the title of Design-Democracy-Diplomacy, which builds on the key aspects of the capitals-based system, including cultural, intellectual, connected, societal, and urban capital.

In collaboration with Goethe University Frankfurt, the program will feature a conference drawing on academic studies and knowledge (8-9 October 2026) exploring a range of themes such as the development of intellectual, cultural, human and social capital over the last 30 years; the design of future cities and urban ecosystems; environmental health and human wellbeing; governance, diplomacy, and democratic participation; and innovative approaches to sustainable economies and knowledge-based societies. Keynotes, panel discussions as well as paper and poster sessions will highlight how design, science, policy, and culture can reconnect people, urban fabrics, natural systems, and the places where we live, thrive, and work.

Venue: Gästehaus der Stiftung zur Förderung der internationalen wissenschaftlichen Beziehungen der Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität. Online registration from September, English.

New Club of Paris

World Capital Institute

Goethe Universität Frankfurt