Africa’s architects and designers have a historic opportunity to shine at the UIA World Congress of Architects 2026 (UIA2026BCN) in Barcelona. As a continent pulsating with creativity, innovation, and resilience, Africa deserves a prominent voice in global architectural dialogues. Themed Becoming: Architectures for a Planet in Transition, UIA2026BCN is your chance to showcase African solutions, connect with international leaders, and shape the future of architecture. Africans Column is excited to collaborate with UIA World Congress of Architects 2026 to amplify African voices and inspire your participation. Here’s why you must join and how to get involved.

What is UIA World Congress of Architects 2026 (UIA2026BCN)?

The UIA World Congress of Architects 2026, or UIA2026BCN, organized by the International Union of Architects (UIA), is the world’s premier gathering of architects, uniting over one million professionals from more than 100 countries. Held every three years, this vibrant platform features talks, debates, exhibitions, and networking opportunities. In 2026, Barcelona—designated UNESCO’s World Capital of Architecture—will host this landmark event, bringing together global thought leaders to address pressing challenges in architecture and urban design.

Under the theme Becoming: Architectures for a Planet in Transition, UIA World Congress of Architects 2026 will explore how architecture can tackle ecological and social challenges, from climate resilience to urban transformation. Barcelona, a city renowned for its urban laboratory—think Cerdà’s Plan, the Olympic transformation, and the Superblocks project—offers the perfect setting. The Congress will feature:

• Over 200 global speakers, including renowned architects, researchers, and thought leaders.
• Exhibitions showcasing architectural works, an international student competition, and outcomes from a pre-Congress workshop.
• Networking events, including an inaugural celebration and a closing ceremony.

For African architects, this is an unparalleled opportunity to engage with global peers, present your work, and contribute to discussions on sustainability, cultural identity, and community-driven design—issues that resonate deeply with Africa’s architectural landscape.

The Impact of Your Participation

Africa’s 83,483 architects, represented by 33 UIA Member Sections in Region V, bring unique perspectives to the global stage. From sustainable designs like Francis Kéré’s community-focused schools in Burkina Faso to Kunlé Adeyemi’s floating structures in Nigeria, African architects are redefining innovation and resilience. Historically underrepresented at UIA Congresses, African creatives now have a chance to make history at UIA World Congress of Architects 2026 as the first wave to take center stage.

By participating, you can:

• Showcase African Excellence: Present your projects in exhibitions or sessions aligned with UIA’s Work Programmes, such as Social Habitat, Informal Settlements, or Heritage and Cultural Identity.
• Influence Global Agendas: Share African perspectives on the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals, climate adaptation, and urban equity.
• Build Global Networks: Connect with architects, policymakers, and academics from over 100 countries, fostering collaborations to elevate your practice.
• Gain Recognition: Submit your work to UIA’s International Competitions & Awards or participate in the student competition (if eligible), gaining global visibility.

As Chrisna Duplessis, UIA Delegate for Region V, notes, “UIA2026BCN is a platform to shape a sustainable future. African architects bring invaluable insights from diverse contexts, and their presence in Barcelona will enrich global architectural discourse.” Africans Column is here to support you in seizing this moment.

Call for Participants: Apply Now for Free!

UIA World Congress of Architects 2026 is actively seeking contributions from African architects, designers, and students. The Call for Participants deadline is 2 June 2025 (23:59 CET), giving you time to submit your work and join a global conversation. Best of all, applying is completely free!

How to Apply:

• Visit uia2026bcn.org to submit your proposals via the Call for Participants.
• What to Submit: Proposals can include critical essays, projects, or images aligned with the theme Becoming: Architectures for a Planet in Transition. The jury will determine the format (Critical Essay, Critical Project, or Critical Image) for selected submissions.
• Who Can Apply: Open to architects, designers, researchers, and students. Membership in a national architectural association (e.g., in Region V) is encouraged but not required.
• Act Now: Submit by 2 June 2025 at uia2026bcn.org to secure your place!

How to Register and Participate

UIA World Congress of Architects 2026 offers multiple ways for African creatives to engage, ensuring your voice is heard. Here’s how you can participate:

• Formats of Participation:
  • Critical Submissions: Submit a Critical Essay, Critical Project, or Critical Image for consideration in Congress sessions or exhibitions. The jury assigns the format based on your proposal.
  • Exhibitions: Showcase your architectural projects in the Congress’s exhibitions, highlighting African innovation.
  • International Student Competition: Open to architecture students, this competition invites creative solutions to global challenges. Dates to be announced soon.
  • International Workshop: Participate in a pre-Congress workshop (dates to be confirmed) to collaborate on innovative designs.
  • General Attendance: Attend talks, debates, and networking events to engage with global leaders.
• Registration Requirements:
  • Visit uia2026bcn.org for registration details and to submit proposals.
  • Eligibility: Open to architects, designers, researchers, and students.
  • Fees: Applying to the Call for Participants is free. Attendance fees vary (details on the website), with potential discounts for early registration, students, or groups.
  • Travel and Visa: Participants are responsible for travel and visa arrangements to Barcelona. Africans Column will share guidance on logistics through our platform—stay tuned for updates.
• Location: The Congress will take place across Barcelona and its metropolitan area, including iconic venues like Three Chimneys and Sagrada Família. Expect a vibrant setting that blends historic architecture with cutting-edge urban design.

Africans Column: Supporting Your Journey to UIA World Congress of Architects 2026

Africans Column is thrilled to collaborate with UIA2026BCN to promote this historic opportunity for African architects and designers. Our platform is dedicated to celebrating African creativity, and we’re here to support you with updates, resources, and inspiration. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for tips on submissions, profiles of African projects, and Congress updates.

Why You Must Act Now

UIA2026BCN is a movement to redefine architecture for a planet in transition. Your solutions to urbanization, climate challenges, and cultural preservation are critical to this global conversation. By submitting your work and registering, you’re claiming a seat at the table to shape the future of architecture.

Don’t miss this chance to make history. Apply for free by 2 June 2025 at uia2026bcn.org to share your vision.