Architects Champion Built Environment at UN Climate Change Conference, Advocating Emissions Reductions

WASHINGTON – November 12, 2025 – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is sending a delegation to attend the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, from Nov. 10 -Nov. 21.

The AIA remains steadfast in its mission to lead the building sector in addressing climate change through mitigation and adaptation efforts. Architects play a pivotal role at the forefront of the $1.6 trillion U.S. construction industry. AIA serves as the voice of architects, championing their critical role in addressing climate change. Committed to a sustainable future, the AIA advocates for global action that prioritizes the health of our planet and the well-being of communities worldwide. Under the leadership of 2025 AIA President Evelyn Lee, FAIA, and 2026 AIA President Illya Azaroff, FAIA, the AIA will spearhead discussions with policymakers to advocate for steadfast commitment to climate goals and the expansion of resilience planning.

“As AIA prepares for COP30 in Belém, Brazil, a summit focused on accelerating the implementation of the Paris Agreement, I’m reminded that climate action is not about the destination—it’s about the journey,” said 2026 AIA President, Illya Azaroff, FAIA. “Architects have been charting that journey for decades: reshaping skylines, rebuilding after disaster, and reimagining what resilience looks like. This year’s path has its obstacles, but it’s also full of possibilities.”

AIA will be hosting a series of events designed to engage policymakers, including:

• Wednesday, November 12, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM (BRT), Blue Zone, Buildings & Cooling Pavilion: Driving Sustainable Construction Forward: Pathways and Priority Actions for Transformative Change Across the Value Chain feat. front row commentary by Illya Azaroff, FAIA, 2025 President Elect.
• Wednesday, November 12, 11:00 AM – 12:00PM (BRT), Blue Zone, Thailand Pavilion: Beyond Zero Carbon Designing for a Regenerative and Resilient Future: Integrating Circular Economies, Community-Led Adaptation, and High-Performance Materials into the Built Environment feat. Illya Azaroff, FAIA, 2025 President Elect.
• Friday, Nov. 14, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM (BRT), Blue Zone, Resilient Cities Pavilion: Ecological Transformation in Global Urban Spaces hosted by CAU/BR feat. Illya Azaroff, FAIA, 2025 President Elect.
• Friday, November 14: Private Roundtable | U.S.–Brazil Dialogue on Sustainability, Resilience, and Value-Added Design in the Built Environment hosted by the Brazil Program at the Inter-American Dialogue, with SEEC Institute, The American Institute of Architects (AIA), and the League of Conservation Voters (LCV).
• Friday, November 14: Brazil & U.S. Dialogue | Cocktail Reception at COP30 hosted by the Brazil Program at the Inter-American Dialogue, with SEEC Institute, The American Institute of Architects (AIA), and the League of Conservation Voters (LCV).
• Saturday, November 15, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (BRT), Blue Zone, Buildings & Cooling Pavilion: Solutions for the Frontline feat. Illya Azaroff, FAIA, 2025 President Elect.
• Monday, November 17 – Wednesday, November 20, Blue Zone, Booth 36: AIA & ICC Joint Exhibit.
• Tuesday, November 18, 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM (BRT), Blue Zone, Buildings & Cooling Pavilion: Closing the Data Gap: Aligning Finance, Architecture, and Tools for Green Buildings feat. Evelyn Lee, FAIA, 2025 President.
• Wednesday, November 19, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM (BRT), Blue Zone, Side Event Room 4: Designing for the Future - Embedding Sustainability in the Built Environment feat. Evelyn Lee, FAIA, 2025 President.

Learn more about AIA’s impactful work COP30.