The UIA has formally adopted the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) as a guiding framework for its policies, programmes and professional activities. The decision was unanimously approved by the UIA 176th Council meeting in Seoul, South Korea, marking an important milestone in the organisation’s commitment to human rights, cultural diversity and inclusive architectural practice.
The motion to adopt UNDRIP was submitted by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) on behalf of the UIA Indigenous Peoples Work Programme. In presenting the proposal, UIA Secretary General Rui Leão highlighted the strong alignment between the Declaration and the UIA’s long-standing values, particularly its dedication to social responsibility, sustainability and respect for cultural identity.
Adopted by the United Nations in 2007, UNDRIP establishes a global standard for the collective and individual rights of Indigenous Peoples. It addresses key issues such as self-determination, participation in decision-making, protection of lands and resources, and respect for cultural traditions and knowledge systems. While global in scope, the Declaration is intended to be applied in ways that are context-specific and grounded in local protocols and relationships.
UIA Council discussions emphasised the relevance of UNDRIP to architectural practice, particularly in recognising Indigenous knowledge systems and promoting inclusive and culturally grounded design approaches. The adoption of the Declaration reinforces the need for architects to engage meaningfully with Indigenous communities, ensuring that projects affecting Indigenous lands, cultures or heritage are developed through respectful consultation and collaboration.
Next steps: guidelines and best practices
Alongside the adoption of UNDRIP, UIA Council mandated the Secretary General, in collaboration with the UIA Indigenous Peoples Work Programme, to further develop the concept of a dedicated task force. This task force will be responsible for preparing guidelines and best practices to support the practical implementation of UNDRIP principles within the architectural profession.
This work will build on existing initiatives, including the Work Programme’s methodological efforts on assessment tools for Indigenous architecture and the UIA Sustainability Commission’s focus on traditional and local knowledge.
By adopting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the UIA affirms its commitment to promoting architecture that respects human rights, supports cultural diversity and contributes to more equitable and sustainable environments. The decision provides a clear ethical and professional reference point for architects worldwide, encouraging practices that are inclusive, collaborative and deeply respectful of Indigenous Peoples and their rights.