The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has issued the following statement on the U.S. withdrawal from UNESCO. Please attribute to AIA 2017 President Thomas Vonier, FAIA:
“The American Institute of Architects has supported the cultural mission of UNESCO, and especially its World Heritage Sites program, which seeks to identify and preserve buildings and places of importance to humankind. We hope and expect that the U.S. will continue to work with global stakeholders to protect such sites.
“In addition, UNESCO has agreed to join with the International Union of Architects (UIA) to designate a World Capital of Architecture every two to three years, choosing cities of outstanding character with the World Congress of Architects. This effort will reinforce the value and importance of architecture and design in human affairs. The AIA urges the Administration to lend its support to this initiative.”