From July 29 to August 13, 2025, Santa María Tlahuitoltepec, Oaxaca, will become the epicenter of creativity and technology with the purpose of designing projects that provide solutions to different problems in the community.
In this unique 2 week-long summit, 35 local, national and international participants will come together to work as a team, learn about user-centered design and co-create 7 innovation projects that use local technology to solve specific community challenges.
Do you join in creating solutions that make a difference?
About IDDS
What are the International Development Design Summit (IDDS)?
IDDS are practical co-design experiences that bring together people from different parts of the world and diverse contexts to co-create, together with a community, innovative solutions that can improve the quality of life of those facing situations of inequality.
Based on the co-creation approach and using the design cycle as the main tool, the IDDS invite its participants to collaborate with members of the host community in the identification of key problems, as well as in the design, construction and testing of prototypes. that respond to those needs.
These summits offer a unique learning experience, moving away from traditional approaches in design and innovation, prioritizing teamwork, local impact and immersion in the social and cultural context of the community.
To learn more about the history of the IDDS spirit visit https://www.idin.org/
What to expect as a participant of IDDS Ayuujk?
During their stay in Santa María Tlahuitoltepec, participants will live an immersive experience guided by the principles of communality, which define the daily work of the Ayuujk.
This implies inhabiting the territory with deep respect for its culture, traditions, relationship with the natural environment and its unique forms of organization and collective participation.
Following the IDDS philosophy, participants and innovators, both international and local, will learn and develop skills in participatory design. These skills will allow you to collaborate as a team with members of the ayuujk community in the development of projects focused on key areas such as:
-
Water and environmental conservation
-
Health and community health
-
Gender equality
-
Sustainable agriculture
The projects will not only benefit Tlahuitoltepec, but can be replicated and adapted in other communities in the Ayuujk region that face similar challenges, maximizing their impact.
Additionally, at the end of the summit, selected participants will join the International Development Innovation Network (IDIN), a global network made up of more than 1,000 innovators working on impact projects around the world.
Host
The IDDS Ayuujk 2025 will take place in Santa María Tlahuitoltepec, known locally as Xaamkëjxp, a municipality located at 2,240 meters above sea level in the majestic Sierra Mixe Mountain Chain of Oaxaca. This territory is part of the Mixe (Ayuujk) ethnic group, where Ayuuk is the predominant language and 80% of the population is bilingual, speaking both Ayuuk and Spanish.
Just 2.5 hours from Oaxaca City, this community is surrounded by ecosystems of pine-oak forests and cloud forests, which not only define the landscape, but also the way of life of its inhabitants.
Agriculture is the main economic activity, practiced in a traditional way and on a small scale. The fields of Tlahuitoltepec produce corn, beans, potatoes, squash, peas, chiles and other essential crops. It also highlights livestock farming and local commerce as sources of livelihood.
However, like many indigenous communities in southern Mexico, migration represents one of the most important challenges for the region, impacting both the social fabric and economic activities.
Logistics and participant experience
Who can apply?
People of all nationalities of legal age.
Applicants must have an advanced level of Spanish language proficiency.
Key dates:
July 29, 2025: Transfer from Oaxaca City to Santa María Tlahuitoltepec.
August 14, 2025: Return from Tlahuitoltepec to the city of Oaxaca.
August 14 to 15, 2025: Departure of the participants to their places of origin.
Logistics in charge of the general organization of the summit
-
Land transfers between the city of Oaxaca and Tlahuitoltepec (round trip).
-
Stay in Tlahuitoltepec, including food and accommodation throughout the summit.
The experience:
The IDDS Ayuujk 2025 summit offers a unique immersion in the community of Santa María Tlahuitoltepec, a space that promotes collective work.
To guarantee a comfortable and functional stay, the Mixe Culture Musical Training and Development Center has provided its facilities. The classrooms will be adapted as dormitories separated by gender, equipped with bathrooms and showers adapted to meet the needs of the participants.
This environment will allow attendees to connect deeply with the community, its traditions and its way of life, while collaborating in the creation of meaningful projects that generate lasting impact.
Costo:
Participant costs are $500 USD for lodging, hospitality and meals throughout the summit; Participants are expected to cover their own long-distance travel costs to Oaxaca City. The summit will provide ground transportation within the state.
We have limited funds to provide scholarships to participants who need financial assistance (for travel, accommodation, hospitality and meals).
Aplicación
¡Sé parte del IDDS Ayuujk 2025!
*la fecha límite para aplicar es el 28 de febrero 2025 a las 11:59 pm hora de la Ciudad de México*
los aplicantes seleccionados serán notificados de la decisión del comité seleccionador el día 7 de marzo 2025
Para dudas o pregunta escribe a iddsoaxaca@gmail.com
Organizers
