The International Union of Architects (UIA) will participate in the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), taking place in Belém, Brazil, on 10–21 November 2025. Held in the Amazon – essential to global ecological balance – COP30 provides a critical platform for advancing climate action grounded in environmental responsibility, social equity, and resilience.
UIA Representation
The UIA is represented by Secretary-General Rui Leão, and Cid Blanco Jr., Co-Director of the UIA UN 17 SDGs Commission. Their participation reflects the UIA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the role of architecture and the built environment in addressing climate and public health challenges.
Collaboration on the Design of the WHO Health Pavilion
As part of its status as a Non-State Actor in Official Relations with the World Health Organization (WHO), under the 2025–2027 Collaboration Plan, the UIA is contributing to the design of the Health Pavilion at COP30. The Pavilion underscores the message that the climate crisis is also a health crisis, and highlights ways in which architecture and territorial planning can promote health equity, climate resilience, and sustainable urban development.
Beyond a traditional exhibition space, the Health Pavilion is designed as a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration, bridging science, design, and policy in shaping healthy, inclusive, and life-supporting environments.
Belém High-Level Roundtable – Ministerial Meeting on Urbanisation and Climate Change
11 November 2025 | 14:30–16:00 (BRT)
Blue Zone – Special Event Room São Francisco
Organised by UN-Habitat as part of the Ministerial Meeting on Urbanisation and Climate Change within the UNFCCC COP30 programme, this roundtable will address the intersection of the global housing crisis and climate vulnerability. UIA Secretary–General Rui Leão will deliver the wrap-up remarks for Spotlight Discussion 2: “Bridging the Housing and Climate Crises: Multi-Level Pathways for a Just Urban Transition”, underlining the importance of adequate housing, inclusive urban planning, and community-led territorial strategies as central to climate justice and the creation of resilient, equitable cities.
Participation in ATACH Day – WHO Health Pavilion
14 November 2025 | 10:45–20:00 (BRT)
Blue Zone – WHO Health Pavilion
As part of the WHO delegation, the UIA will participate in ATACH Day, convened by the WHO and the COP Presidencies under the theme “Accelerating Action for Climate and Health”. The event will focus on advancing the implementation of climate-resilient and low-carbon health systems and sharing practical approaches across sectors. UIA Secretary–General will speak in Session 3: From Evidence to Action – Accelerating Healthy Climate Action in All Sectors (17:00–18:30 BRT) on integrating health co-benefits into climate action, highlighting how architecture, housing, and urban planning play a fundamental role in building environments that promote health, resilience, and climate justice.
The UIA invites all Member Sections, partners, and stakeholders attending COP30 to visit the WHO Health Pavilion and engage in its dialogues and collaborative initiatives.
Further details will be shared on the UIA website and social media.