From May 13 to 16, 2026, Istanbul will host the Global Design Forum, an international platform for design leaders and experts, for the first time. The event, which has been held at the Victoria and Albert Museum for 15 years within the framework of the London Design Festival, is moving to a new home.

The forum is supported by the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA). Artistic direction is provided by Turkish architect and designer Melek Zeynep Bulut. The program includes installations by international designers on the grounds of Topkapı Palace and in the city's historic quarters, the "Rethinking" competition, dedicated to urban garden culture, and the "İstanbulers" project, aimed at supporting young local creators.

The forum also includes panel discussions featuring international experts on the role of design in global crises. According to the organizers, Istanbul boasts 41 convention centers, 225 art galleries, and design programs at 27 universities, providing the necessary infrastructure for hosting such events.