Challenge
The UIA World Congress of Architects 2023 embraced the theme of “Sustainable Futures – Leave No One Behind,” aligning its goals with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from an architectural perspective.
Organising such a large-scale event centered on sustainability and the UN SDGs presented CAP Partner with several challenges.
Key challenges included:
- Comprehensive Sustainability Integration: Ensuring that sustainability principles aligned with the UN SDGs were integrated into every aspect of the congress, from venue selection to daily operations.
- Creating a Long-lasting Impact: Extending the congress’s influence beyond its immediate duration to establish a legacy that would continue promoting sustainability and inclusivity in the built environment.
Solution
Some of the solutions included:
- Engaging Decision Makers: High-profile politicians and decision makers were invited to attend and speak at the congress, promoting sustainability at the policy level and driving future initiatives.
- Natural Decorations: The congress substituted traditional decorations like carpets and flowers with living trees for replanting and other natural materials, reducing waste and environmental impact.
- Vegetarian meals only: The congress and social events strictly served vegetarian meals, reducing the carbon footprint associated with meat production and consumption.
- Inclusivity: Food vouchers were provided for students and those with limited financial means, ensuring that economic disparities did not hinder participation.
- Next Generation Involvement: A dedicated program called “Next Gen” engaged young architects and designers, empowering them to contribute to the congress sharing their ideas on how to build more sustainably in the future.
- Sustainable logistics: Sustainable transportation options were promoted, and clear wayfinding systems were implemented to reduce emissions and enhance accessibility.
- Multilingual support: Simultaneous interpretation services were offered to overcome language barriers, making the congress more inclusive.
- Eco-friendly apparel: The use of apparel was kept to a minimum, and sustainable, recyclable materials were used for congress apparel to reduce waste.
- Material recycling: Equipment and materials used at the congress were collected and recycled, minimizing waste.
- Accessibility: The event accommodated attendees with special needs, addressing dietary restrictions, religious considerations, and disabilities (both physical and mental) to ensure that everyone could comfortably participate.
Outcome
By embracing sustainability, inclusivity, and the UN SDGs, CAP Partner and the UIA World Congress of Architects 2023 demonstrated the transformative power of events in driving positive change and creating a lasting impact on the architecture and design community in Copenhagen.
Notable key numbers reflecting the success of the event include:
- 6000 participants from 135 countries, showcasing its global reach.
- 130 exhibitors who contributed to the diverse offerings.
- 150 sessions and 250 scientific papers, emphasizing the depth of knowledge shared.
- 400 speakers who shared insights and expertise, fostering collaboration and innovation.
Additionally, the event led to the establishment of “The Copenhagen Lessons,” a set of 10 principles designed to accelerate change in the industry, engage practitioners and investors, and garner support from policymakers for local, national, and global built environment legislation. Knowledge-sharing and partnerships were identified as crucial components to prioritize and localize efforts and resources for the industry’s radical transformation.
What The Client Says
Key numbers
As experts in conference organisation based in Copenhagen, CAP Partner delivers you above-and-beyond service and results. Explore some of the key numbers and insights from our congress organisation of the World Congress of Architects 2023 in Bella Center Copenhagen.
Key insights from organising the World Congress of Architects 2023
How many participants were there?
The World Congress of Architects 2023 had 6,000 participants joining Copenhagen from a total of 135 countries.
How many exhibitors were there?
A total of 130 exhibitors contributed to the diverse offerings of the congress.
What venue had the was used for an event of that size?
Bella Center in Copenhagen, Demark, a trusted and dedicated collaboration partner of CAP PArtner fit for large-scale conferences and events.
How many scientific sessions and scientific papers were presented and disseminated?
A total of 150 sessions and 250 scientific papers were presented at and dissemoniated at the congress emphasizing the depth of knowledge shared.
How many speakers were at UIA2023?
A total of 400 speakers shared insights and expertise at the congress, fostering collaboration and innovation.
Learn more about UIA World Congress of Architects 2023…
Check out these articles about the Congress:
Or see even more videos, talks and reactions on the YouTube Channel:
Reflections on Rebuilding – A Global journey
– By Byens Podcast
Click on the button to load the content from w.soundcloud.com.
Want to learn more? Contact our
Project Managers on This Project
hk@cap-partner.eu
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CAP Partner assists associations develop their full potential and position themselves as significant players within their specific field of interest and expertise.
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