The designation was made upon the recommendation of the Joint Committee for the World Capital of Architecture, chaired by the distinguished architect, Dominique Perrault, according to UNESCO.
***
“As we look towards Beijing 2029, we are confident that the city’s extraordinary architectural heritage, dynamic urban transformation, and forward-looking vision will inspire new international dialogue on the power of architecture in improving people’s lives and in safeguarding shared heritage for future generations,” said Khaled El-Enany, Director-General of UNESCO.
Established jointly by UNESCO and the International Union of Architects, the UNESCO–UIA World Capital of Architecture programme recognises the transformative role of architecture, urban planning, culture and heritage in advancing sustainable urban development. Every three years, UNESCO designates the host city of the UIA World Congress as the UNESCO–UIA World Capital of Architecture.
Beijing was selected for its exceptional ability to bring together one of the world’s richest architectural heritages with a forward-looking vision of sustainable urban development. Its historic urban fabric, successful regeneration projects and vibrant architectural culture demonstrate how heritage, innovation and community life can reinforce one another in shaping resilient and liveable cities.
Under the theme “Back to Balance,” Beijing 2029 will promote architecture as a bridge between culture, nature and people. Through exhibitions, conferences, educational programmes and public events, the city will foster international dialogue on how the built environment can contribute to more inclusive, sustainable and human-centred urban futures.
The announcement reaffirms the shared commitment of UNESCO and UIA to place architecture, culture and sustainable urban development at the heart of international cooperation and follows the recent conclusion of the UIA World Congress of Architects 2026 in Barcelona – the current World Capital of Architecture.
The Congress brought together architects, planners, researchers, students, public officials and representatives of international organisations from around the world to explore how architecture can respond to today’s most pressing global challenges, including climate change, urbanisation, heritage conservation and social inclusion.
Building on the legacy of Rio de Janeiro (2020), Copenhagen (2023) and Barcelona (2026), Beijing will continue to strengthen cooperation among governments, architects, universities, cultural institutions and local communities, demonstrating how architecture transforms international commitments into places where people live, learn, work and thrive.
