WeWork
Advocacy and partnership to help refugees back into work
© WeWork
WeWork’s commitment to standing with refugees began in 2017. Since then, UK for UNHCR have been collaborating with WeWork to create impact, while we have been based out of their wonderful office spaces.
The start of our partnership was based on UNHCR’s previous initiative, the #WithRefugee Coalition, which set the tone for WeWork’s determination to advocate for refugee employment, and to help those who have been displaced back into work.
Our partnership has grown since then, and WeWork and their members have supported UK for UNHCR when refugees have been in urgent need, including launching a fundraiser for the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Our work together also encompasses UNHCR’s social enterprise brand, MADE51, which helps refugee artisans access global markets to sell their crafts. WeWork onboarded MADE51 as a décor supplier in 2022, making a commitment to introduce several of MADE51’s refugee-made décor accessories into locations, with the goal of championing opportunity and awareness through design. Some of the pieces being introduced to WeWork locations include baskets made by Burundian refugees living in Tanzania, bowls made by internally displaced South Sudanese and cushions made by Afghan refugees living in Pakistan.
Ebbie Wisecarver, Global Head of Design at WeWork said; “We are proud to bring MADE51 products into our spaces, leveraging the ability of art and design to bring people together and illuminating the resilience and talent of refugee creators.”