MADE51 at the Global Refugee Forum

We had an incredible time at the #RefugeeForum last week!

The Global Refugee Forum is the largest international gathering on refugees, bringing together delegates from governments, civil society, refugee-led organizations and the private sector.

The MADE51 House at the Global Refugee Forum

We had a premier space in the event to showcase refugee craftsmanship and highlight the power of collaboration in creating economic inclusion for refugees.

In honor of the moment, we created seven large-scale installations that brought together the work of displaced artisans around the world, symbolising a moment of global unity. Six of the exhibition pieces highlighted heritage skills based on common origins, including Syrian embroidery, Tuareg metalwork, and South Sudanese beadwork. The seventh piece was an up-cycled veil, designed and created in collaboration with Milan-based Otto Studio.

Alongside these stunning installation pieces, we presented a curated selection of MADE51 products representing our work in 23 countries with over 35 social enterprise partners. We also held a pop-up sale, and the products flew off the shelves!

 

Hosting MADE51 refugee artisans at the Global Refugee Forum

We were proud to have two refugee artisans at the event: Nyanachiek and Maral, visiting from South Sudan and Armenia. They met with visitors, held live demonstrations of their skills, made custom designs for guests, and made moving statements at the Speaker’s Corner.

MADE51 Social Enterprise Partners at the Global Refugee Forum

A handful of our local social enterprise partners were also with us, meeting visitors, supporting with the pop-up shop, and acting as advocates for economic inclusion by sharing their perspectives as business owners who have included refugees in their operations.

Launching the MADE51 Pledge at the Global Refugee Forum

Last but not least, the highlight of the Forum was the moment we officially launched the MADE51 Pledge, inviting donors and private sector to join us in creating livelihoods opportunities for refugees through MADE51. 

For more information on the pledge, click here. 

All in all, an excellent week and one we won’t be forgetting any time soon!