People paddle along the Liangma river at dusk in Beijing on August 5, 2026. (Photo by ADEK BERRY / AFP)
Paris: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced today that Beijing has been selected as the World Capital of Architecture 2029 under the joint UNESCO-International Union of Architects (UIA) programme.
In a statement, UNESCO said Beijing was chosen for its exceptional ability to combine one of the world's richest architectural heritages with a forward-looking vision for sustainable urban development.
It added that the city's historic urban fabric, successful urban renewal projects, and vibrant architectural culture demonstrate how heritage, innovation, and community life can be integrated to create resilient and livable cities.
The World Capital of Architecture programme, launched jointly by UNESCO and the International Union of Architects (UIA), seeks to highlight the transformative role of architecture, urban planning, culture, and heritage in advancing sustainable urban development. The title is awarded every three years to the city hosting the UIA World Congress of Architects.
Previous World Capitals of Architecture have been Rio de Janeiro (2020), Copenhagen (2023), and Barcelona (2026).
