The International Union of Architects (UIA) was founded in Lausanne, Switzerland on June 28th 1948 to unite the architects of the world through a federation of their national organizations. From the 27 delegations present at the founding assembly, the UIA has grown to encompass the key professional organisations and architects in 115 countries and territories worldwide.

The UIA is an international non-governmental organisation recognized by UNESCO as the only architectural union operating at an international level.

Through its triennial Congresses and Forums, its international Design Competitions, its Working Groups and its Commissions, the UIA acts as a platform for knowledge sharing, helping craft innovative and collaborative solutions for architectural advancement, with a particular focus on sustainable development.

Over time, UIA has become a world-renowned organisation and an incomparable professional network of architects that reaches all continents.