In this era of population shifts, climate change and unprecedented levels of urbanisation, architects have an important role in responding to the complex challenges of the built environment. Through the effective planning, construction, development, management and improvement of cities, urbanisation can become a model for sustainable development - embracing the intrinsic link between the built env
ironment and job creation, livelihood opportunities, and quality of life. The 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals provide a framework for this development, setting specific targets for alleviating poverty, protecting the planet and ensuring prosperity for all; a new sustainable development agenda. With its unique position of global representation, the Union of International Architects is well positioned to create a bridge between this UN agenda and the practical activities of architects around the world. The UIA Commission has been established to respond directly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals - raising awareness, creating knowledge, facilitating communication and disseminating information across its global network of members. In doing so, the Commission aims to ensure that architects are not just responsive to the new agenda for Sustainable Development, but prescriptive in its implementation and evolution.
