The International Union of Architects, in partnership with UN-Habitat, has announced the winners of the third cycle of the UIA 2030 Award during the World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 20 May 2026.
The biennial award programme recognises architectural, landscape, and urban design projects that contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the New Urban Agenda. According to the jury, the awarded projects demonstrate how architecture can address climate adaptation, ecological restoration, affordable housing, social inclusion, and participatory urban development through scalable and resilient design solutions.
This year’s edition featured projects from across the world, with regional finalists selected from the five UIA regions before progressing to the international jury stage.
India Among Key Winners and Commended Projects
India secured significant recognition in multiple categories of the awards.
In the category of “Adequate, Safe and Affordable Housing (SDG 11.1),” the Sanjaynagar Slum Redevelopment project by Community Design Agency was declared the winner.
In the “Access to Green and Public Space (SDG 11.7)” category, Śhālā Twam (A Space for You) by Bhoomija Creations received a Highly Commended mention, while Sanath Road, Gurugram by Beyond Built Pvt. Ltd and Community Plug by Studio Aranya were also recognised among the commendations.
Additionally, Atal Sarovar: A Water-Sensitive Urban Integration, Gujarat by INI Design Studio received a commendation for its contribution toward sustainable urban public spaces and water-sensitive planning.
Global Winners Highlight Climate and Social Resilience
Among the internationally recognised projects, Meishe River Restoration: Turning Grey Into Green in China by Turenscape won the category focused on water and sanitation management, while Tierras Temporary Housing Units in Palenque, Mexico by Manuel Cervantes Estudio won the category on labour rights and safe working environments.
Joint winners in participatory and inclusive planning included Hutong Community Renewal in China and Kahawa West Health Centre in Kenya.
In the climate resilience category, Les Mamas Belgues Flooding Park in Spain was awarded for its innovative response to climate-related disasters and adaptive urban infrastructure.
The organisers stated that videos, jury citations, and project galleries from the winning entries will be published on the official UIA website.
The World Urban Forum, established by the United Nations in 2001, remains one of the world’s leading global conferences focused on sustainable urbanisation and the future of cities.
Also Read: UN Report Says Global Housing Crisis Now Affecting Nearly Half of Humanity
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