30 September 2025 | 13:30–14:30 | Barcelona
As part of MONDIACULT 2025, the UIA, together with UNESCO and the City of Barcelona, will host an official side event bringing together Ministers of Culture and Urban Planning, city officials, urban leaders, and international experts.
This official side event will highlight the role of architecture in shaping cultural futures and building inclusive cities, while also strengthening the link between heritage and innovation. It will provide a platform for dialogue, cross-sector exchange, and the presentation of major international initiatives led by UNESCO and its partners.
Key themes include:
- Architecture as a political and cultural tool for transformation
- Heritage (tangible and intangible) as a driver of innovation
- Inclusive, sustainable, and resilient urban futures through cooperation
- Strengthening UNESCO’s World Capital of Architecture programme
The agenda will feature opening remarks by UNESCO, a presentation of the World Capital of Architecture programme by the UIA, insights from Barcelona as the current Capital, and reflections on UNESCO’s global frameworks. The session will close with an open dialogue and a collective call to action for future World Capitals of Architecture.
Speakers include:
- Ms. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO
- Ms. Regina Gonthier, President of the International Union of Architects (UIA)
- Mr. Dominique Perrault, Architect
- Mr. Martin Duplantier, Architect, Co-Curator of the French Pavilion, Venice Biennale 2025
- Ms. Laia Bonet, Deputy Mayor of Barcelona