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October 6, 2025
# Global symposium: intersection of design, innovation and systems change
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Global design experts, researchers and academics are gathering at OCAD University from Oct. 15 to 18 for the [International Relating Systems Thinking and Design Symposium.](https://rsdsymposium.org/rsd14-toronto/)
Co-presented by OCAD University and the Systemic Design Association, the annual event, known as RSD14, is one of the world’s leading events at the intersection of design, innovation, and systems change. It has become the go-to gathering for actionable insights, applicable methods and direction-setting ideas.
The well-regarded academic forum features workshops, keynote speakers, and an exhibition focusing on the theme of [“Arcs of Impact,”](https://rsdsymposium.org/rsd14-toronto/) exploring how systemic design can address the complex challenges of our time – from climate change and health care to equity, technology and governance.
**SPECIAL OFFER FOR OCAD U COMMUNITY**
On Oct. 15, RSD14 is inviting members from the OCAD U community to join workshops led by international systemic designers free-of-charge; no ticket required. Students, faculty and staff [can register in advance for any workshops](https://events.zoom.us/eo/AtULk9kZNsX5vQlgZoWZ2t1vjvz86R6OWyqBv00QO_0XK-DZYNEQ~AggLXsr32QYFjq8BlYLZ5I06Dg/) on Oct. 15.
**SYMPOSIUM KEYNOTE SPEAKERS**
On Oct. 16, the keynote address will be delivered by design and innovation strategist **Dr. Melanie Goodchild**, who is an Anishinaabe (Ojibway), moose clan, from Biigtigong Nishnaabeg and Ketegaunseebee First Nations with over 30 years of experience working with First Nations communities across Turtle Island.
Her work bridges applied sociology and Anishinaabe, decolonial and participatory approaches to address complex systems challenges through culturally grounded, relational practices.
On Oct. 17, the keynote speaker is Professor Emerit **Gerald Midgley**, an independent consultant who has written almost 400 papers for academics and practitioners on systems thinking, systemic leadership and community operational research. He has been involved in a wide variety of public policy, health service, natural resource management, community development and technology foresight projects.
**Dr. Mariana Amatullo** delivers a keynote address on Oct. 17. She is the national dean of the School of Architecture, Art and Design at Tecnológico de Monterrey, where she leads a multi-campus academic team and oversees programs spanning undergraduate to executive education, alongside research initiatives and international partnerships. Her research focuses on design as a cognitive and strategic capability for organizational change and societal impact.
**ABOUT RSD14**
RSD14 included a global virtual gathering from Oct. 3 to 6, [RSDX Festival](https://rsdsymposium.org/rsd14-rsdx-online/), including the Community (AC)Chords, an online series that amplifies the voices and visions of the systemic design community with more than 20 sessions.
From Oct. 8 to 10, there is a series of online presentations and discussions, [Paper Talks](https://events.zoom.us/ev/AlyJFDY6qS5yIce65LF68CEGUVw8Qnuj89S4LEEvVsQnTBYw9XN0~At-cwd9cf_6c5YYavJ-_MCCrsVuNkUPQWW4xmYAtABE8rJvCZf3FLkBNRg), featuring 90 peer-reviewed papers.
**REGISTRATION INFORMATION**
[**There are three ticket options:**](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/rsd14-arcs-of-impact-tickets-1233979699499?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl)
- The suggested rate is $400 CAD
- A self-funded option is available at $ 250 CAD
- To reduce financial barriers, there is a concession ticket at $100 CAD
**SPECIAL OFFER FOR OCAD U COMMUNITY**
On Oct. 15, RSD14 is inviting members from the OCAD U community to join workshops led by international systemic designers free-of-charge; no ticket required. Students, faculty and staff [can register in advance for any workshops](https://events.zoom.us/eo/AtULk9kZNsX5vQlgZoWZ2t1vjvz86R6OWyqBv00QO_0XK-DZYNEQ~AggLXsr32QYFjq8BlYLZ5I06Dg/) on Oct. 15.
The entire [RSD14-ONLINE](https://rsdsymposium.org/rsd14-online-ticket-2/) program is also included in the registration for the in-person symposium.
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