“Design is the engine to change our cities – and our future.”

For the UN Habitat World Urban Forum 10 (WUF10) in Abu Dhabi, Thomas Vonier, president of the International Union of Architects, prepared this statement:
“Investments in urban infrastructure, architecture and planning are keys to urban regeneration – design points the way to a better future for society and our planet. We need healthy cities, yet all over the world indiscriminate development continues to destroy natural habitat and agricultural land. Relentless reliance on automobiles runs nearly unabated, while many city centres are in disrepair.

“We can – we must – build more responsibly, making greater investments in mass transit and public infrastructure. Urban sprawl destroys heritage, wastes resources, and drives socioeconomic imbalances. The world’s 3.2 million architects join with landscape architects, urban planners, and heritage experts to achieve resilient cities, environmental stewardship, cultural protection, and equitable development.

“Everywhere, cities are challenged to provide housing, economic opportunity, clean air, sanitation, and safe drinking water. We know how to take stronger measures against extreme weather. We know how to design for greater security. We know how to encourage walking, cycling, and outdoor recreation – so let us do it.

“Urban design can propel our efforts to protect heritage and halt damage to the global environment. Cities urgently need more effective design and planning policies and new solutions. Architecture can bring better lives to all people.”

UIA networking event at the World Urban forum 10
Ishtiaque Zahir Titas, co-director of the UIA SDG Commission, is leading the Union’s delegation at WUF10, taking place in Abu Dhabi, on 8-13 February.

During the week of the Forum, Ishtiaque Zahir Titas is organising a panel discussion about the role of local culture and heritage in shaping places and enhancing quality of life in cities. The event, entitled Heritage & Culture-led development – A new paradigm towards Sustainable Architecture, will take place in Hall -3 , Room No 11 , NE 51 on Monday, 10 February 2020, 2:00 – 4:00pm.

Find out more.

UIA
The International Union of Architects (UIA) is an international non-governmental organisation based in Paris. Established in 1948, it is the only organisation representing architects across the globe working to unify architects, influence public policies on construction and development, and advance architecture in service to the needs of society.

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