Free webinar: MADE51 – Successfully marketing products crafted by refugee artisans

On 6 November 2024, you can experience how MADE51 works with partner companies and refugee artisans to create unique, handcrafted products by refugees worldwide. The webinar offers in-depth insights into ethical sourcing, fair supply chains and sustainable marketing that reach the global arts and crafts market. MADE51 ensures that quality products from refugees are produced and marketed in an ethical way.

About the lecture Registration and participation About the speakers Contact

Facts about the webinar

Date: 6 November 2024
Time: 10:00 to 11:00 am CET
Location: Online on the digital event platform of Messe Frankfurt
Language: English/German
Speakers: Heidi Christ, Mark Kwami and Stanley Sze
Participation: Free of charge

MADE51: How refugee products are conquering the global arts and crafts market

MADE51 works closely with social enterprises in host countries to enable refugee artisans to access the global market. The traditional skills of the refugees are combined with modern design elements to create collections of home decor, fashion accessories and gifts. At the same time, MADE51's network approach plays a central role by enabling retailers and brands to build an inclusive and fair supply chain. They gain practical insights into the sustainable marketing and production of handcrafted products by refugees, in compliance with Fairtrade and UNHCR protection principles.

What you can expect from the webinar “MADE51 – Successfully marketing products crafted by refugee artisans”

Heidi Christ will present the unique business model of MADE51 and explain how it succeeds in enabling refugee artisans to access global markets. She will discuss how the artisans' traditional skills are combined with modern design elements to create high-quality collections of home and fashion accessories.

Mark Kwami and Stanley Sze will explain the practicalities of sourcing and manufacturing refugee crafts. They will discuss how to ensure compliance with Fairtrade and UNHCR protection principles and show how retailers can benefit from integrating these products into their ranges despite complex supply chains.

Highlights of the webinar:

Collaboration with social enterprises MADE51 works with social enterprises in host countries to support refugee artisans. Find out how these collaborations work and what role retailers and brands play in them.
Traditional craftsmanship meets modern design MADE51 combines traditional skills of the artisans with modern design elements to create unique and marketable products.
Ethical supply chains and Fairtrade principles Learn how MADE51 ensures that all products are made under fair and ethical conditions and how retailers can integrate this into their own supply chain.
Benefits for retailers MADE51 not only offers handcrafted products, but also strengthens brand image and meets the growing demand for sustainable products.

Participation in the free webinar

To participate in the free online event, register or log in to the digital event platform with your Messe-login. The webinar is available in both German and English.

The platform also offers you the opportunity to network and exchange ideas with other participants.

About the speakers

Heidi Christ, Team lead at UNHCR

Heidi Christ has led MADE51, the UN Refugee Agency’s initiative connecting refugee craftsmanship with global markets, since developing the concept in 2017. She works out of the UNHCR headquarters in Geneva and has more than 20 years of experience in the economic empowerment for women and across the UN, international organizations, and the private sector.

Mark Kwami, Lead on Product Development and Design at MADE51

Mark Kwami is an industrial designer, business development consultant and social entrepreneur. He has worked as a consultant for numerous international development organisations in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia on export value chain development in the artisan sector. Mark has been part of the MADE51 team since 2017, where he is responsible for design and product development, as well as supporting operations in the Middle East and Africa.

Stanley Sze, Managing Director, Rice (Hong Kong) Limited, Commercial Partner of MADE51

Stanley Sze is an experienced entrepreneur with a strong background in manufacturing, finance, e-commerce and retail. As MADE51's commercial partner, Rice manages all commercial activities. This includes managing the online shop and ensuring the seamless fulfilment of both B2B and B2C orders while upholding MADE51's mission and values.