Ping An's Mother's Needlework Program Shines at London Craft Week 2025
Ping An's Mother's Needlework Program at London Craft Week 2025
This year, at the prestigious London Craft Week 2025, Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. made a significant impact by showcasing its innovative Mother's Needlework public welfare program. The event, held at the China Pavilion, featured beautiful embroidery and handcrafted carpets created by women from the Yi and Dulong ethnic communities, underscoring the cultural richness and artistic heritage of China.
The exhibition highlighted intricate pieces like the stunning Dulong Carpet from Yunnan Province, recognized for its vibrant colors and intricate craftsmanship. As one of the smallest ethnic groups in China, the Dulong people have a unique cultural background that is perfectly encapsulated in their traditional handicrafts. Such creations serve as vital expressions of cultural heritage, yet they face significant threats in the face of rapid modernization and globalization.
Recognizing the challenge, Ping An established the Mother's Needlework program in 2020 with a mission to empower these ethnic minority women. The program aims to help them preserve traditional crafting techniques while boosting their income through innovative design and improved market access. By combining recycled materials with traditional designs, the initiative advocates for sustainable fashion, enabling these women to create appealing and eco-friendly products for both domestic and international audiences.
To date, the Mother's Needlework program has expanded its reach across ten provinces in China, including regions like Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Inner Mongolia, and Guangdong. This outreach has benefited over 100 women, significantly boosting their families’ financial stability and contributing to sustainable community development. Through this initiative, Ping An emphasizes that ethnic handicrafts are not just cultural treasures; they also represent a pathway towards sustainable development and social inclusion.
During London Craft Week, Ping An aims to share the unique beauty of China's intangible cultural heritage with a global audience. They also invite collaboration with international designers and social organizations to explore further innovations in traditional crafts. London Craft Week, founded in 2015 and supported by the King’s Foundation, has become a premier event in design, fashion, and crafts, drawing artisans and designers from all over the world. By promoting cross-cultural exchanges and sparking innovation, the event plays a crucial role in celebrating and preserving craftsmanship.
About Ping An Group
Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. is one of the largest providers of financial services globally. The Group's vision focuses on becoming a world-leading provider of integrated finance and health services. With a technology-driven strategy that encompasses integrated finance, health, and senior care, Ping An is dedicated to offering professional services to its approximately 240 million retail customers. The company is listed on stock exchanges in Hong Kong and Shanghai, with total assets exceeding RMB12 trillion as of December 2024. Its commitment to intelligent digital transformation aims to improve efficiency and enhance risk management, earning it a notable position in the world rankings, such as the 29th in the Forbes Global 2000 list.
As Ping An continues to support traditional crafts and empower ethnic minority women, it reinforces its belief in using cultural heritage as a tool for sustainable development, fostering not only economic growth but also cultural appreciation on the international stage.