In addition to participating in all sessions of the 30th General Assembly of the International Union of Architects (UIA) in Barcelona, Spain, the delegation of the Vietnam Association of Architects (VAA), led by Dr. Arch. Phan Dang Son, President of the VAA, actively carried out a series of international engagement activities. Through meetings with member organizations, professional associations, and international partners, the delegation sought to strengthen connections, exchange expertise, and promote future collaborative initiatives.
Strengthening cooperation with partners across Asia
The VAA delegation to the General Assembly comprised two representatives: Dr. Arch. Phan Dang Son, President of the Vietnam Association of Architects and Head of Delegation, and M.Arch. Nguyen Anh Duong, Member of the VAA International Relations Committee and Head of Communications at Architecture Magazine.
During the Congress, President Phan Dang Son held a number of discussions with representatives of the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) regarding preparations for ARCASIA 2026, scheduled to take place in September 2026. The two sides exchanged experience in organizing professional activities and academic events while exploring opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the Vietnam Association of Architects and the Indian Institute of Architects within the frameworks of ARCASIA and the UIA.
The delegation also met with representatives of several ARCASIA member organizations, including those from China, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and other countries across the region, to discuss professional exchange programs, young architects’ initiatives, architectural education, research, and collaborative projects within the Asian architectural network.
These meetings further demonstrated the proactive role of the Vietnam Association of Architects within ARCASIA while reinforcing Asia’s collective voice within the global UIA network.
Expanding ties with the new UIA leadership
A key highlight of the delegation’s agenda was its meeting with Professor Zhang Li, President of the UIA for the 2026–2029 term and Dean of the School of Architecture at Tsinghua University, China. Prior to the General Assembly, Professor Zhang Li had participated in an online meeting between the Vietnam Association of Architects and the Architectural Society of China to discuss bilateral cooperation and exchange perspectives on the future development of the UIA.
Following his election as UIA President for the 2026–2029 term, Professor Zhang Li held a brief meeting with Dr. Arch. Phan Dang Son. President Son congratulated Professor Zhang Li on his appointment, and the two discussed prospects for cooperation between the Vietnam Association of Architects, the UIA, and professional organizations across the region, particularly in the areas of architectural education, academic exchange, and greater engagement of young architects.
Building connections with future UIA host cities
The VAA delegation also met with representatives from countries that will host major upcoming UIA international events.
At the exhibition area, the delegation met representatives from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, host city of the 2028 UIA International Forum under the theme Many Worlds, One City. The forum will focus on cultural diversity, sustainable urban development, and the role of architecture in creating inclusive cities. As the largest international UIA event between World Congresses, it is expected to bring together architects, researchers, and urban planning experts from around the world.
The Vietnamese delegates also learned about preparations for the 2029 UIA World Congress of Architects in Beijing, China, and congratulated Prague, Czech Republic, after it was selected by the General Assembly to host the 2032 UIA World Congress of Architects and General Assembly.
Through these exchanges, the Vietnam Association of Architects continued to expand its international cooperation network while promoting greater participation of Vietnamese architects in global professional events in the years ahead.
Exploring the exhibition and emerging architectural trends
Alongside the official agenda, President Phan Dang Son toured the exhibition of UIA 2026, which featured hundreds of displays from countries, universities, research institutes, and companies worldwide.
In addition to showcasing the cultural identity and architectural characteristics of participating countries, the exhibition presented innovative projects and initiatives in architecture, urban planning, sustainable development, building materials, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, heritage conservation, and climate adaptation. Beyond highlighting professional achievements, the exhibition served as a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among UIA member organizations, reflecting the spirit of this year’s Congress theme, Becoming. Architectures for a Planet in Transition.
During the visit, representatives of the Vietnam Association of Architects engaged directly with delegates from numerous countries to discuss professional practice, architectural education, and innovative initiatives currently being implemented worldwide, creating new opportunities for cooperation and mutual learning.
Reinforcing the Vietnam Association of Architects’ role in the international community
Through its diplomatic engagements and professional exchanges in Barcelona, the Vietnam Association of Architects reaffirmed its position as an active member of both the UIA and ARCASIA while expanding partnerships with a wide range of international organizations in architectural education, professional practice, research, young architects’ exchange, and professional events.
The relationships established during this year’s General Assembly not only helped promote Vietnamese architecture on the international stage but also laid the foundation for practical collaborative programs throughout the new UIA term, contributing to the continued enhancement of the Vietnam Association of Architects’ standing within the regional and global architectural community.
Nguyen Anh Duong
© Architecture Magazine – VAA
