The perspective of students and young professionals is important to bring into play for a nuanced and diverse understanding of the challenges we face and how we design solutions for it. That is why we’ve put focus on involving students & young professionals through sessions curated by students and you can find a range of “Next Gen” sessions in the official programme.
You can also get involved in competitions and activities for students. Read more below.

COMMITTEE
To create sessions curated by students and young professionals, we work with our local Next Gen Committee. The purpose of the committee is to ensure that students play a role in the development of the congress. During 2022 we met and developed sessions, and it’s still a work in progress. Learn more about the committee members below.
SESSIONS
In the overall programme we focus on representing young voices, bringing students and young professionals on stage. The perspectives of students and young professionals are important to bring into play for a nuanced understanding of the challenges we face and how we design solutions for it.
Learn more about the sessions curated by students below.

ACTIVITIES & EXHIBITIONS
GREAT GREEN WALL – STUDENT COMPETITION
The Great Green Wall (GGW) single-stage student ideas competition was held as part of the World Congress. The competition showcased innovative design ideas for affordable housing along the GGW.
The competition received outstanding submissions from students worldwide, demonstrating a deep understanding of climate change and offering innovative approaches to sustainable architecture.
Follow this link to explore the winning projects and honorable mentions.
Meet the competition winners at the Congress, where their projects will be displayed and celebrated during the Closing Ceremony.
EXHIBITION OF THE STUDENT’S WORK ON SITE
120 HOURS – INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECTURE COMPETITION FOR STUDENTS, BY STUDENTS
In March 2023 120 Hours hosted a digital competition, and the winners will be announced at the UIA World Congress of Architects CPH 2023.
The theme of the competition was Greenwashing. The top three finalists will be invited to the congress (tickets, travel and accommodation).
Stay updated here.
Please direct questions to 120 Hours.
EXHIBITION OF THE STUDENTS’ WORK ON SITE
STUDENT ACADEMY IN JULY – IN COPENHAGEN
The Royal Danish Academy will host a physical Student Academy ultimo June/primo July, 2023 (UIA World Congress Student Academy 2023) for domestic and international students of Architecture.
The theme of the course is: “A Society Built for Every Body” and focuses on diversity and Universal Design.
Please direct questions to Line Luna Thygesen.
EXHIBITION OF THE STUDENTS’ WORK ON SITE
ARCHITECTURE IN COMMON – LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND
We present a wayfinding strategy and elements created by Copenhagen based students from the School of Architecture at the Royal Danish Academy, NEXT & University of Copenhagen. 70 students work together this spring to design a wayfinding strategy based on inclusivity and universal design principles. The Danish association of young people with disabilities (SUMH) has given feedback to the students’ projects during the course. The goal of the installation is to lead guests from the metro station to Bella Center main entrance. After the World Congress, the elements will be moved to other locations in Copenhagen. Partners involved in this project is Danske Landskabsarkitekter, NEXT, KU, KADK, Københavns Kommune, ØICC and the UIA World Congress.
EXHIBITION OF THE WAYFINDING ELEMENTS FROM THE METRO TO BELLA CENTER MAIN ENTRANCE
#SEAWEEDSELFIE
We present #seaweedselfie made by Studio Kathryn Larsen, which designs for people and the planet. With #seaweedselfie, we are reimagining what a selfie wall can be, using seaweed bioplastic, algae pigments, and traditional natural paint. The climate crisis has impacted how our generation interprets the field of architecture – but with creativity, collaboration and action, we can unite and make a difference. Social media has inherently played a strong role in both activism, as well as creative expression. To learn more visit Studio Kathryn Larsen.
EXHIBITION OF THE #SEAWEEDSELFIE ON SITE
NEXT GENERATION CITY ACTION
The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) will, in collaboration with partners in Korea, India, Kenya, Denmark and Mexico, launch a global youth initiative that, from May to July, will engage university students, early-stage technology start-ups and young leaders before during and after the congress.
The young international talents will represent diverse backgrounds and broaden perspectives, increase innovation and push thinking, collaboration and action as part of UIA World Congress of Architects CPH 2023.
Read more and explore collaboration opportunities here.
Please direct questions to DTU.
SESSIONS AND EXHIBITION OF THE STUDENTS’ WORK ON SITE
GLOBAL STUDENT SUMMIT
The GLOBAL STUDENT SUMMIT is a project engaging students from all continents to come together and work towards a common goal of creating sustainable futures that leave no one behind. Through the power of collaboration and critical thinking, students from 24 universities worldwide are spending this semester researching and proposing innovative architectural and urban projects that address the six themes of the UIA World Congress: Climate Adaptation, Health, Inclusivity, Resilient Communities, Rethinking Resources, and Partnerships for Change.
The second part of the summit will feature a two-day event where the students will have the opportunity to meet in Copenhagen to share and discuss their critical thoughts and discoveries. Through this summit, we foster a global dialogue that transcends borders, professions, and skill sets. We work together to address the pressing issues facing our planet and create a sustainable future for generations to come.
So Young Kim, the Global Student Summit Director, is working closely together with tutors and students from all 24 universities in this no border collaboration and organizing the student projects, meetups, and the exhibition.
Please direct questions to So Young Kim, Professor at Hanyang University.
EXHIBITION OF THE STUDENTS’ WORK ON SITE
WHAT ABOUT UTOPIA
We present this installation created by The Academy´s Climate Group – a student organization at the Royal Danish Academy – Architecture, Design, Conservation.
It’s an installation that invites you to enter a space created and dedicated to utopian thinking. In order to change our current situation, (from the state of crisis) we need to not only think of solutions that can be realized within our current systems, but also practice the act of thinking outside of those. Dreaming is a part of molding a new world. Therefore this installation suggests that we think about utopias and ask ourselves: how do we actually want to be human on this planet if nothing is impossible?
EXHIBITION OF THE INSTALLATION ON SITE
MARGRETHE’S LAST TAPESTRY
We present this Gobelin artwork from the inspiring visual artist Tuva Victoria B. Nesse.
It’s a modern take on the Danish Queen’s tapestries, focusing on historical events from the 21st century. A lot has happened since the queen’s tapestries were made, and this is what the tapestry is communicating with a humoristic approach. The project aims to raise questions regarding our modern society and how historical events from the 21st century have affected our everyday lives.
EXHIBITION OF THE GOBELIN ON SITE
Q&A
We do our best to answer all your questions, here are some of the most common ones.
The UIA World Congress of Architects 2023 will take place from July 2nd – July 6th, 2023 in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Bella Center is the primary venue for the World Congress. However, as a participant you will be able to explore other parts of Copenhagen during tours, social events, side events and events at the SDG Pavillions along the harborside.
Learning new theories and practice
Expanding your professional network
Listen to inspiring Keynote sessions
Exploring the city of Copenhagen
Connecting with other students from around the world
Students within the built environment which can be architects, engineers, builders, designers, management students and more.
Anyone that has an interest in the built environment is welcome to come to Copenhagen and participate in the congress.
There is a student rate if you wish to attend the congress. Prices will evolve depending on your registration date.
Before and on March 31st 2023 | Before and on May 31st 2023 | After May 31st 2023 | |
Student | 70 euros | 90 euros | 120 euros |
If you graduated in July 2022 or later, you can still buy a student ticket at a reduced price.
We have created the Instagram account @millenniline dedicated to students and young professionals. You will find information about Next Gen sessions, activities, competitions, pre-events and get inspired by young change makers, students, professionals and activists. Please tag us, if you want us to represent your voice.
Our partners and collaborators curate pre-events on the topics of architecture and sustainability all year long. You can find all the different pre-events dedicated to students on Facebook and on the UIA CPH 2023 website.
Please apply for a visa at least two months before the congress as the application process may take up to 8 weeks. You can apply for your visa six months prior your arrival.
Countries with visa requirements
Please click here to see the list of countries with or without a visa requirement
Which visa to apply for
When attending a scientific event such as the UIA World Congress of Architects CPH 2023, you should apply for short term visa to “cultural visits”.
How to apply
Click here to learn more about how to apply and what documentation you will need to provide
Before applying
Please check the visa application center, VFS’ website for available appointments before submitting your online visa application on this website.
For this congress, we would like not only for students from various nationalities to meet and exchange their knowledge and experience. But also, to give them the opportunity to meet professionals of various sectors who will be present on site. Such as architects, engineers, designers, developers, scientists, students, researchers, urban planners, builders and owners, the construction industry, global decision makers, business leaders and NGOs.
In 2021, the Economist’s Safe Cities Index elected Copenhagen as the safest city in the world, due to the low crime rates and a high level of trust among people, which is an important part of the danish culture.
CONTACT US IF YOU HAVE IDEAS
FOR THE NEXT GEN SEGMENT

Line Luna Thygesen
NEXT GEN IS SUPPORTED BY


KNOWLEDGE PARTNERS
The UIA 2023 Knowledge Partners represent a variety of sectors ranging from the industry, associations, NGOs, universities, and philanthropic foundations. All partners contribute by either showcasing own projects, by sharing their professional knowledge within their specific field of expertise and everyday practice, and/or by financially supporting underlying projects initiatives.