In an era marked by uncertainty, division, and war, the role of design and creativity is no longer just about aesthetics or function, it’s about resilience, unity, and the power to shape a different future.

At Us by Night 2025, we’ll explore what it means to design when peace is not a given. As 21st Europe, we work with some of the brightest minds on the continent to develop blueprints that challenge the status quo and imagine new ways forward. Creativity is not just a tool for expression, it’s a force that can respond to crisis, rebuild trust, and reimagine the systems we live in.

This keynote will examine how design can act as a stabilising force in turbulent times, looking at the intersection of creativity, policy, and public imagination. Through real-world examples and ongoing projects, we’ll discuss how design can help us navigate conflict, strengthen communities, and create the foundations for a future that feels possible, even when the present does not.