Case Study: Global Children’s Designathon Riyadh 2023
Background
The Global Children’s Designathon (GCD) is an international initiative founded in Amsterdam in 2014 by Designathon Works. It empowers children aged 8–12 to design creative solutions to real-world challenges, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. For the first time, in March 2023, Rukun Creative Exchange hosted this global event in Riyadh, positioning Saudi Arabia as a key contributor to a worldwide movement of young changemakers.
The Challenge
While children are often seen only as future leaders, GCD believes they are active problem-solvers today. The challenge was to create a platform where Saudi children could:
Develop skills in creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.
Engage directly with global peers around sustainability issues.
See their voices and ideas valued in shaping the future
Our Role
As the local host and strategic partner, Rukun led:
Event Organization & Management – Hosted at King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh.
Global Collaboration – Coordinated with Designathon Works and 45+ international participating cities.
Sponsorship & Partnerships – Secured Saudi Aramco as platinum partner, alongside esteemed judges from the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification and AEON, a local leading sustainable development firm that aims to advance global action towards social, economic and environmental sustainability.
Curriculum Integration – Adapted global toolkits for the Saudi context, focusing local on biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
Community Engagement – Connected schools, NGOs, and educational leaders to ensure broad participation.
