World Crafts Council AISBL
(WCC-International)
ABOUT WCC AISBL
The World Crafts Council AISBL was founded by Ms. Aileen Osborn Vanderbilt Webb, Ms. Margaret M. Patch, and Smt Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay at the 1st World Crafts Council General Assembly in New York on June 12, 1964. In November 2012, the organization World Crafts Council AISBL was formally constituted as an International Association without lucrative purpose, at 17/02, rue de la Trouille, 7000 Mons, Belgium. According to its Bylaws, every 4 years of the term, the Presidency of the organization changes. The current headquarters for the term (2021-2024) is located in the State of Kuwait.
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In this year 2024, the World Crafts Council AISBL organization marks its 60th Anniversary and is proud to have successfully reached through its national entity members millions of craftsmen, artisans, and craft communities across the five (5) Geographical regions it represents: Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America and North America.
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Since its inception, the World Crafts Council AISBL has been affiliated with UNESCO under Consultative Status for many years.
The World Crafts Council AISBL (WCC-International), an international non-profit organization, is dedicated to fostering the preservation, promotion, and advancement of global craftsmanship and traditional crafts. Our mission is to empower artisans, celebrate cultural diversity, contribute to sustainable development by supporting the rich tapestry of global craftsmanship, and preserving languishing crafts from extinction.
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The main objective of the World Crafts Council AISBL is to strengthen the status of crafts in cultural and economic life. The Council aims to promote fellowship among craftspersons by offering them encouragement, help, and advice. It fosters and assists cultural exchange through conferences, international visits, research study, lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and other activities. The WCC also seeks to foster wider knowledge and recognition of the craftspeople's work with due regard to the diversified cultural and national backgrounds and tradition of its members. In carrying out these principles, the Council shall consult with governments, national and international institutions, societies, and individuals.​
Mission
The mission of the World Crafts Council AISBL is to empower artisans and safeguard the rich heritage of global craftsmanship and traditional crafts.
We are committed to celebrating cultural diversity, fostering sustainable development, and preventing the extinction of traditional crafts.
Through collaborative efforts with artisans and stakeholders worldwide, we strive to create a vibrant and inclusive global community that values and sustains the diverse tapestry of traditional craftsmanship.
Vision
Our vision is to be a global leader in championing the recognition and preservation of traditional crafts. We envision a world where artisans are empowered to thrive, cultural diversity is celebrated and respected, and traditional crafts are integral to sustainable development.
The World Crafts Council AISBL aspires to be a catalyst for positive change, fostering a deep appreciation for the cultural and economic significance of crafts in the global community.
OUR OBJECTIVES
Preservation & Promotion
Foster the preservation, promotion, and advancement of traditional crafts globally by providing resources, support, and platforms for artisans.
Sustainable Development
Contribute to sustainable development by integrating traditional crafts into contemporary contexts, fostering economic growth while respecting cultural heritage.
Empowerment of Artisans
Empower artisans through encouragement, assistance, and guidance, enhancing their skills, livelihoods, and overall well-being.
Headquarters Rotation
Adhere to the organizational bylaws, ensuring the smooth rotation of the Presidency every four years, thereby promoting diversity and inclusivity in leadership.
Cultural
Exchange
Facilitate cultural exchange through conferences, international visits, research studies, lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and other collaborative activities that promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
NGO Partnership & Recognition
Maintain and strengthen partnerships with international bodies, particularly UNESCO, to sustain the organization's consultative status and continue its impactful work as a Category 'A' NGO affiliated with UNESCO.
Recognition & Knowledge
Work towards broader recognition and knowledge of craftspeople's work, acknowledging the diverse cultural and national backgrounds and traditions of our members.
Global Geographical Representation
Enhance representation and collaboration among the five geographical regions (Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America), ensuring a balanced and inclusive approach to the organization's initiatives and activities.
Consultation & Collaboration
Actively engage with governments, national and international institutions, societies, and individuals to strengthen the status of crafts in cultural and economic life.
OUR TEAM
WORLD CRAFTS COUNCIL AISBL (WCC-International)
Executive Board
President
Mr. Saad Al-Qaddumi
Vice President
Dr. Kevin Murray
Regional Presidents & Vice Presidents
Mr. Otunba Segun Runsewe
President of WCC - Africa
Region
Ms. Nadia Meer
Vice President of WCC - Africa Region
Mr. Aziz Murtazaev
President of WCC - Asia Pacific Region
Dr. Xu Niansha
Vice President of WCC - Asia Pacific Region
Ms. Carol Robertson Lopez
President of WCC - North America Region
Dr. Christine Warnke
Vice President of WCC - North America Region
Ms. Barbara Velasco
President of WCC - Latin America Region
Dr. Alberto de Betolaza
Vice President of WCC - Latin America Region
Ms. Prof. Aftab Gharda
President of WCC - Europe Region​​
Dr. Fatina Saikaly
Vice President of WCC - Europe Region
Advisors
Mr. Ghassan Souaiby
Legal Advisor
Dr. Darlie Oommen Koshy
Strategic Advisor