UNESCO Names Beijing World Capital of Architecture 2029

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Union of Architects (UIA) designated Beijing as the UNESCO-UIA World Capital of Architecture 2029 on August 5, 2026. The selection followed a recommendation from the Joint Committee for the World Capital of Architecture, chaired by Dominique Perrault.

UNESCO selected Beijing for its ability to integrate one of the world's richest architectural heritages with a forward-looking vision for sustainable urban development and successful regeneration projects. Beijing joins a list of previously designated cities that includes Rio de Janeiro, Copenhagen, and Barcelona.

As part of the designation, Beijing will host the 2029 UIA World Congress of Architects and General Assembly. The program will operate under the theme "Back to Balance," focusing on restoring equilibrium between humans, nature, and technology. The city plans to organize a year of programming, including exhibitions, conferences, and workshops, to promote inclusive and human-centered urban futures.

UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany stated that the city's transformation and heritage would inspire international dialogue on the power of architecture to improve lives and safeguard shared heritage for future generations.