The International Union of Architects (UIA) delegation’s participation at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, marked a crucial step in aligning the architectural profession with the global climate agenda. The event underscored both the opportunities and challenges architects face in driving transformative climate action, particularly in vulnerable economies.
Key Concerns and Areas of Disagreement
Equity in Climate Finance
At COP29, pledges to triple climate finance for developing nations were advanced, yet these commitments fell short of the $1.3 trillion annual funding requirement advocated by vulnerable countries. The UIA delegation highlighted this gap, stressing the need for a more equitable distribution of resources to empower the Global South. Furthermore, the lack of consensus on the balance between grants and loans led to uncertainty, with many developing nations expressing concerns over the practical implications of these pledges.
Fossil Fuels and Energy Transition
A key point of division at COP29 was the ongoing debate on fossil fuel use. While some nations called for emission reductions, many continued to advocate for the maintenance of fossil fuel consumption. The UIA delegation emphasised the critical need for a clear and decisive transition towards renewable energy, aligning energy use with sustainable building practices to meet long-term climate goals.
Cultural and Vernacular Architecture
The global climate conversation often overlooks the importance of vernacular architecture and culturally grounded design in promoting climate resilience. The UIA delegation called for the integration of these practices into mainstream climate strategies, recognising the vital role that traditional and local architectural methods play in fostering climate adaptation and resilience.
Architectural Representation
Despite architecture’s transformative potential in addressing climate change, the profession remains underrepresented in global climate negotiations. The UIA delegation stressed the need for stronger advocacy to ensure that architecture is positioned as a central player in shaping sustainability, climate resilience, and the built environment of the future.
Key Activities and Outcomes
Panel Contributions
The UIA delegation participated in several high-profile panels, offering expertise on key topics:
- The Sufficiency Revolution: Advocating for low-energy, sustainable design.
- Built Heritage as a Driver for Climate Action: Exploring the balance between preserving heritage and adopting low-carbon innovations.
- Smart Cities for a Resilient Tomorrow: Promoting human-centred approaches to urban development and climate resilience.
Global Advocacy
The UIA reaffirmed its commitment to addressing housing inequalities through global initiatives like the Global Housing Action and collaborations with UN-Habitat’s #HousingMatters campaign. Additionally, the delegation advanced discussions on the standardisation of climate finance frameworks to ensure alignment between the Global North and South.
Visibility and Communication
The UIA’s social media engagement at COP29 saw a remarkable 600% increase in interactions, amplifying the Union's advocacy for sustainable architecture. Interviews and media collaborations further elevated the delegation’s perspectives on climate resilience and the integration of vernacular practices in addressing climate challenges.
Networking and Collaboration
Throughout COP29, the UIA delegation engaged with a range of international organisations, governments, and private sector leaders, establishing valuable partnerships to advance climate-adaptive architectural practices. Notable interactions included discussions with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the World Bank, as well as national architectural organisations such as RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) and AIA (American Institute of Architects).
The Way Forward
As the UIA looks towards COP30 in Belém, Brazil, it remains steadfast in its commitment to:
- Advocate for equitable climate finance and sustainable construction practices.
- Promote vernacular architecture as a cornerstone of climate resilience.
- Position architecture at the forefront of climate action.
- Bridge the gap between cultural preservation and innovation.
The UIA’s presence at COP29 has reinforced architecture’s relevance in the fight against climate change. As the profession prepares for future global negotiations, the UIA is dedicated to driving impactful change and ensuring that architecture continues to shape a sustainable and inclusive future.
