The International Union of Architects (UIA) was founded in 1948 to unite the architects of the world, without regard to nationality, race, religion, or architectural school of thought, within a federation of national organisations.
A non-governmental and democratically structured body, representing the key professional organisations of architects in 124 countries and territories, the UIA represents more than 1,300,000 architects worldwide.
The aim of the UIA is to enable architects to discuss ideas and concepts, share their experiences, broaden their knowledge, and learn from their differences in order to play a better part in the improvement of the environment and the quality of people’s lives.
The UIA operates through three Commissions – Architectural Education, Professional Practice and International Competitions – and a variety of global or regional Work Programmes grouped under six general themes: Responsible Architecture, Architecture and Society, Urbanisation, Habitat, Cultural identity, Facilities.
The UIA Architecture & Children Work Programme is a global programme, which falls within the theme "Architecture and Society".
UIA Built Environment Education Network Membership
Any UIA Member Section that includes information about ‘Architecture and Children’ activities on its own website, and undertakes to observe the terms of the UIA BEE Network Agreement, can join the Network. There is no charge to Member Sections for this link.
Click here to find out if your professional association is a UIA Member Section.
UIA CHARTER Built Environment Education for Children and Young People
The aims of this Charter are that it be used for the creation of a widespread network of built environment education for schoolchildren and young people within which individual initiatives and achievements can be shared by all.
UIA BEE Guidelines
The UIA BEE Guidelines are designed to help architects and teachers all over the world to collaborate successfully.
Child Safety
The UIA BEE Website Agreement, to which all UIA Member Sections linked to the Website agree, states that they will "Adhere to the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child", in particular Articles 2.1, 17 and 29."
Many countries also have laws, codes or guidelines for the protection of children from accidents, exploitation and other risks.
Architects, Teachers and Others organising Architecture & Children activities, or working with children in the context of Architecture & Children programmes, should take steps to ensure that all relevant national laws, codes and guidelines for the protection and safety of children are observed.