The UIA extends its warmest congratulations to Mr Gaetan Siew, former President of the UIA, on his appointment as Ambassador of the Republic of Mauritius to the People’s Republic of China.
Gaetan Siew has held numerous roles within the UIA, including serving as its President. He was also the UIA Representative to UNFCCC, GlobalABC, and the Sustainable Construction Observatory.
He has represented the UIA in international organisations and events including UN-Habitat, World Urban Forum, Conference of the Parties, Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction
Throughout his career within our organisation and beyond, Mr Siew has distinguished himself through a humanistic vision of architecture, one that connects, transforms and inspires. His commitment to more inclusive, sustainable and resilient societies resonates strongly with the founding values of the UIA.
A globally respected architect and urban strategist, Mr Siew has contributed to over 1,500 projects across 45 countries. He played a pivotal role in the development of the UNESCO-UIA Charter on Architectural Education, and in promoting global professional mobility through the UIA Accord on International Standards of Professionalism in Architectural Practice.
During his presidency of the UIA (2005–2008), he advanced the principles of Transform, Share, and Transmit, forging stronger ties with global institutions such as the World Trade Organization and UN-Habitat. Under his leadership, the UIA made a notable contribution to post-disaster reconstruction, including the delivery of 1,850 homes in Sri Lanka following the 2004 tsunami.
Mr Siew’s reflections and legacy are highlighted in the UIA’s 75th Anniversary publication, where his lifelong dedication to architecture as a catalyst for social and environmental transformation is duly recognised.
The UIA salutes his remarkable career and wishes him every success in his new responsibilities, in the service of his country and the universal ideals championed by architecture.