Chitkara International Schools (CIS), Chandigarh and Panchkula, achieved a defining milestone by becoming the first in North India to sign a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Design Council (WDC), UK. With this historic step, CIS has also been officially recognised as an Approved Learning Partner of the World Design Council, UK, marking a new era of global design-oriented education in the region.
The signing ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of Mr. Philip Thomas, Country Head India, WDC, UK, and Ms. Vanessa Meister, Senior Fellow, WDC, whose perspectives on creativity and design leadership brought immense depth to the occasion. Their participation underscored the significance of this collaboration in shaping future-ready learners.
Through this alliance, CIS will integrate the Future Creative Minds Programme – a global skilling initiative by WDC that enriches students with design thinking, innovation, critical and analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, AI literacy, data analysis, sustainability practices, communication, ethics, and collaboration. The programme, meticulously mapped to the CBSE curriculum by ISDC (International Skill Development Corporation), combines advanced learning modules, faculty-led sessions, masterclasses, and hands-on workshops, offering students international exposure and opportunities to showcase their creativity on global platforms.
Reflecting on the occasion, Dr. Niyati Chitkara, Vice President-School Education, remarked, “This partnership reaffirms our commitment to equipping our students with transformative skills that align with the evolving global economy. As an Approved Learning Partner of the World Design Council, we are proud to empower our learners to emerge as creative problem-solvers, innovators, and global changemakers.”
This collaboration promises substantial and measurable impact for both students and schools. For students, it nurtures interdisciplinary thinking across science, technology, arts, and society, while strengthening creativity, problem-solving, and real-world readiness. Learners build robust portfolios that enhance prospects for higher education, scholarships, and diverse career pathways.
For schools, the partnership cultivates an environment where students emerge as creators, leaders, and innovators, simultaneously enhancing engagement, satisfaction, and international recognition. In doing so, Chitkara International Schools solidify their standing as institutions committed to preparing students for the demands of a rapidly evolving global landscape.
This collaboration symbolises a bold step in bridging the gap between traditional education and the rapidly advancing creative ecosystem. The event concluded with a shared vision of cultivating a generation that is creative, future-ready, and poised to contribute meaningfully on the world stage.