UIA EVENTS
WORLD ARCHITECTURE DAY
Celebrated on 6 October by the UIA and Member Sections on the theme “Design for Strength”
World Architecture Day, established by the UIA in 1985, was celebrated on Monday 6 October 2025, alongside the United Nations’ World Habitat Day. The UIA Council selected the theme ‘Design for Strength’, calling on architects worldwide to embrace approaches that enable the built environment to withstand, adapt, and regenerate, while promoting equity, continuity, and resilience.
Through this theme, the UIA called on architects around the world to look beyond short-term solutions and embrace approaches that reinforce the ability of the built environment to withstand, adapt, and be rebuilt. Architecture should do more than provide shelter; it must also support equity, continuity, and resilience, especially in times of disruption and crisis. Member Sections were encouraged to explore the theme through public-facing initiatives design, showcase inclusive and innovative architectural examples from crisis-affected areas, and promote architectural education that equips future architects to meet the complex challenges in an evolving world.
UIA INTERNATIONAL FORUMS
Conduct of two UIA International Forums per term
At its 174th meeting, the UIA Council approved the introduction of a second UIA Forum per term, marking a significant step towards increasing the organisation’s global presence and visibility between World Congresses. This new format responds to growing demand for more regular international architectural dialogue and engagement.
The Council recognised that these Forums will serve as dynamic platforms to explore emerging themes in architecture, urbanism, and sustainability, distinct from those of the triennial Congresses. More frequent Forums will allow the UIA to reach broader audiences, strengthen regional participation, and maintain continuity in its global initiatives, particularly in fast-evolving areas such as climate change, artificial intelligence, and responsible tourism.
A call for bids to host the Forum in 2028 was launched on 17 September 2025. The deadline for submission of bids is 2 February. Member Sections are encouraged to consider submitting a candidaturecandidataure for the 2028 Forum.
The host city will be selected at the 2026 UIA General Assembly in Barcelona.
UIA UPCOMING EVENTS
Overview of UIA Events in preparation
2026 UIA World Congress of Architects in Barcelona, with the theme “Becoming: Architecture for a Planet in Transition” 28.06.25 – 02.07.25
2026 World Capital of Architecture Barcelona, Opening Ceremony on 12.02.26
2027 UIA International Forum in Mumbai with the theme “Urban Regeneration” on 24-28.09.27
2029 UIA World Congress of Architects in Beijing, with the theme “Back to Balance” on 18.06 – 21.06.29
2029 WCA Beijing tangible legacy project is in discussion.
Overview of ongoing calls
2032 Congress call for bids was launched in January, bids were submitted by 15 September 2025. The host city will be selected at the 2026 UIA General Assembly in Barcelona
2028 UIA International Forum call was launched on 17.09.25 with deadline for submission of bids on 02.02.26
The host city will be selected at the 2026 UIA General Assembly in Barcelona