Copenhagen named UNESCO World Capital of Architecture 2023

Copenhagen will be named UNESCO World Capital of Architecture 2023, in addition to hosting the UIA World Congress of Architects in the same year. The title is a part of a joint initiative by UNESCO and Union of the International Architects (UIA), and is assigned to coincide with UIA’s World Congress, every three years. The initiative is aimed at creating new synergies between culture and architecture. Copenhagen won the bid to host the 2023 World Congress of Architects in 2017 after presenting a theme focusing on ‘Sustainable futures – Leave no one behind’. When hosting the World Congress of Architects, Copenhagen will put a strong focus on the role of architecture in sustainable city planning and promote architecture as a crucial tool to achieving the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The designation as World Capital of Architecture will allow these efforts to be developed further. Copenhagen is home to many architecture firms including Bjarke Ingels Group: BIG, Henning Larsen Architects, Gehl Architects, C.F. Møller, 3XN and many more, as well as being widely praised for its sustainable urban initiatives and projects. The city aims to become carbon neutral by 2025. The World Congress of Architects in 2023 is expected to attract more than 10,000 delegates from around the world.