UNESCO, by recommendation of the International Union of Architects (UIA), designated Denmark's capital Copenhagen as the World Capital of Architecture for 2023. With this title, Copenhagen will host the UIA’s 28th World Congress of Architecture in 2023. The congress is an international forum for discussions about issues related to the urban environment.

As the host city, Copenhagen will hold a series of major events and programmes on the theme “Sustainable Futures – Leave No One Behind”. The theme will be Copenhagen's basis for its cultural agenda in 2023, along with initiatives directed at increasing public awareness of sustainable architecture.

In collaboration with the Danish Association of Architects and other Nordic professional associations, the municipality will discuss and examine how architecture and urban design could contribute to meeting the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“This is a chance for ordinary people and world leaders to see the value of design in everyday lives. Our partnership with UNESCO reinforces the place of architecture and urban design in advancing cultural values and influences in society, so sorely needed in today’s world. Architects can see the world both as it is - and as it could be,” said UIA President Thomas Vonie. 

The 2021 World Congress of Architecture was held online in July with Rio de Janeiro as the host city, while Barcelona and Beijing are the contenders for the 2026 World Capital of Architecture.