Unesco names Rio de Janeiro 2020 Capital of Architecture

UN heritage organisation Unesco and the International Union of Architects (UIA) have chosen Rio de Janeiro as the 2020 Capital of Architecture.

The initiative, launched in November 2018, was created to confront three challenges: mass urbanisation, climate change and the preservation of architectural heritage.

As winner of the competition, Rio de Janeiro will hold a series of events under the theme of "All the worlds. Just one world".

Ernesto Ottone, Unesco’s assistant director-general for culture, said: "The World Capital of Architecture initiative underscores the common commitment of Unesco and the UIA to preserve architectural heritage in the urban context.

"Through the range and quality of its activities, the World Capital of Architecture in Rio de Janeiro will demonstrate the crucial role of architecture and culture in sustainable urban development."

The world capital will be selected each year, and every third year it will host the UIA’s World Congress.

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