Climate change, environmental degradation, rapid urbanisation, polarisation and social inequalities are increasing. Armed conflicts and different forms of war – economic, cultural, informational and cyber warfare – threaten humanity. In today’s international landscape, multilateralism and democracy are being fragilised; institutions are being weakened, international law is not respected, and disinformation is flourishing. The world does not seem to learn from history and is losing its ethical foundations and its humanity. Sustainability is not compatible with wars, and in the present context of polycrisis its progress seems compromised. But we cannot give up; we must continue our efforts.
Science and technology, in particular digitalisation and artificial intelligence, are advancing at an unprecedented pace. The emotional side of human beings does not follow at this rhythm, and society cannot adapt to change so quickly. Humanity has always been in transition, but in the present era the pace and direction raise fundamental questions. Technology is meant to serve humanity, not to command it. Technological progress is supposed to help us do things more easily and more quickly, to gain time. But what do we do with the “gained” time? Time puts us in the space in which we live. Time is both endless and limited, but also precious. We cannot afford to waste time.
As citizens, we are forced to navigate a contentious environment that we must not allow to govern us, while adapting to rapid change and dealing with uncertainties and controversies. As societies, we are challenged to find a balance between local, national and global interests. As architects, we are challenged to find a balance between private and public interests, between territories and cities, between natural and urbanised environments, and to propose resilient solutions within our domain of expertise: territorial and urban planning, and architectural and urban design. Architecture is an art and a discipline of public interest, balancing cultural, social, economic and ecological values.
The UIA was founded after the Second World War to help rebuild a world that had been destroyed and to make it easier for professionals from all over the world to work together. The Union stands for architecture that cares for people, promotes social justice and preserves cultural heritage. It also reminds architects of their moral and professional duties. Good architecture and urban planning make a place better, reveal its characteristics, memory, history and culture, strengthen its identity, respect the people who live there, and make them feel they belong to this place. They are important for long-term growth. Rebuilding after human-made and natural disasters is a current issue and an opportunity to plan for a strong future.
Let us all make 2026 a decisive year towards a peaceful and more ethical world, with quality architecture and responsible reconstruction.
With my best wishes for the New Year!
Regina Gonthier
UIA President