UIA PARTICIPATION AT INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
2025 VENICE BIENNALE
UIA participated at the Biennale on the theme “The Intelligens Natural, Artificial, Collective” with 2 events
UIA Exhibition and Roundtable discussion at UNESCO Venice Palazzo Zorzi in May
The award ceremony of the UIA young architects competition “The Future of the Profession: Empowering the Next Generation in Participatory Urban Design” was held on 7 May 2025 at UNESCO’s Palazzo Zorzi in Venice. It was followed the next day by a presentation of the preparations for the 2026 Barcelona Congress and World Capital of Architecture, and a roundtable discussion titled “Architecture in Transition: From Heritage to Urban Futures”.
The prize-winning entries of the young architects competition were displayed at the UNESCO’s Palazzo Zorzi until the end of the 2025 Biennale. This marked the first time the UIA participated in the official UNESCO programme in Venice.
Cross-regional discussion on “Teaching Intelligence” at Arsenale Speaker’s Corner in November
At the invitation of Biennale Curator Carlo Ratti, and with the support of Vice-President Region IV, Li Zhang, the UIA organised a roundtable discussion titled “Teaching Intelligence” on 20 November 2025 at the Arsenale Speaker’s Corner. The event was moderated by Prof. Roberto Pagani, with online participation from Deans and Professors of Architecture Schools from all UIA Regions as well as the EDUCOM Co-directors.
The UIA President delivered the opening remarks. A particular focus was placed on the impact of artificial intelligence on architectural education.
MONDIACULT 25 (Barcelona 29.92-01-10-25)
Side Event by UNESCO, UIA and the City of Barcelona on “Architecture, Heritage & Cultural Futures”
This high-level side event brought together key decision-makers, including Ministers of Culture and Urban Planning, city officials, and international experts in architecture, heritage, and urban development to explore the role of architecture in shaping cultural futures and inclusive cities. The session provided a platform for dialogue, cross-sector exchange, and the presentation of major international initiatives led by UNESCO and its partners. UIA President Regina Gonthier presented two of the UIA’s most successful collaborations with UNESCO: the World Capital of Architecture programme (since 2018) and the promotion of international competitions (since 1956).
COP30 (Belem Brazil 10-21.11.25)
Successful UIA participation and collaboration with the World Health Organization for the WHO Pavilion
The UIA had a strong presence at COP30 through its collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) in developing the curatorship and design of the WHO pavilion. This brought the UIA for the first time in the blue zone, the core political area of the Conference. UIA Secretary General Rui Leao represented the UIA at various sessions including:
- 2030 Agenda in Cities: Design as a Driver for Climate Action
- Accelerating Solutions for Resilient Urban Infrastructure
- Accelerating action on climate and health
- High level roundtable on transformation of informal settlements
In addition, UIA 17 SDG Commission Co-Director Cid Blanco participated in various sessions on Resilient Cities, further strengthening the UIA’s voice in global climate discussions.
UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
WUF 13 in Baku, Azerbaijan, 18-22.05 2026
The UIA will be present at the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Azerbaijan. The programme is currently under development. One of the key highlights will be the award ceremony of the 3rd cycle of the UIA 2030 Award. Organised in partnership with UN-Habitat, this award recognises built projects that make an exemplary contribution to the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with a particular focus on Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.