The AIA today issued the following statement on the United States withdrawal from UNESCO. The press release in its entirety follows below:
“The American Institute of Architects has long supported the cultural mission of UNESCO, and especially its World Heritage Sites program, which seeks to identify and preserve buildings and places of exceptional importance to humankind. We hope and expect that the United States will continue to work with global stakeholders to protect such sites.
“In addition, UNESCO has recently agreed to join with the International Union of Architects to designate a World Capital of Architecture every two to three years, choosing cities of outstanding character with the World Congress of Architects. This effort will reinforce the value and importance of architecture and design in human affairs. The AIA urges the administration to lend its support to this initiative.”
—AIA 2017 President Thomas Vonier, FAIA