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This year, we celebrate the World Day of Architecture on 'Healthy Cities, happy cities. During the past century, the rapid urban growth in the world, caused overcrowding and puts immense pressure on our cities. The United Nations estimates that 54% percent of the urban population today; more than 60% in 2050 This growth has had a negative impact on our environment and the well-being of our citizens. The development and management of our cities are becoming more and more complicated. Particularly in terms of infrastructure, equipment, transportation, housing and basic needs of the population. This brings us to the issue of healthy cities and how to achieve an urban welfare. Our cities must not be outdated or polluted. They must be clean and ensure the safety and hygiene. Of course, the principles of sustainability should contribute to these objectives and public health should be one of the fundamental principles of planning and urbanism.

As architects, we also have a duty to ensure that we reduce to the maximum the impact of our work on the environment. We need to integrate all elements related to green and sustainable design: energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, treatment and sustainable management of the site, materials (renewable or recyclable), the water treatment and innovation. This must be the pragmatic response to the call that we launched during the last General Assembly in Durban, South Africa on 7 and 8 August 2014.

The Bill of 2050 requirements promulgated by the UIA Congress in Durban, said that urban areas are responsible for 70% of global energy consumption and the construction is liable to the same proportion of emissions of carbon dioxide . As architects, we have a duty to confront this threat and the UIA has called for the implementation of the requirements in 2050, including the zero-emission goal by 2050 This is to ensure the ecological balance of our environmental interventions.

The technological solution is not necessarily the most appropriate. Passive and location of the building according to the site designs are fundamental to maximizing the benefits of the beneficial contributions of microclimates. We must be innovative in the way we exercise and not to focus only on the building, without taking into account the context and surrounding areas. The objective of the design should be extended across the city where the impact of each building and its occupants is an element of urban planning. The city should be easily interconnected and connected to the rest of the region and the efficiency of transport networks and communication must be improved to increase the productivity of the population and reduce pollution.

While meeting all these criteria, it is also necessary to highlight the strengths and resources of the city. Rivers, streams, forests and public areas must be preserved and revitalized for the welfare and recreation of the citizens. They can be a network of communication and interaction that fosters linkages and cooperation among community members.

We should be less dependent on private motor vehicles should be replaced by an efficient public transport. Town centers should be made for pedestrians with plazas and promenades where people move freely without the presence of cars. Bicycles should also be an alternative. They reduce pollution while being beneficial to the health of residents.

The participation of the community in the planning and management of cities should be a standard procedure in the municipal administration. Different cultural and economic backgrounds of the citizens are the foundation of the city and should be maintained and supported. Membership in the Local Agenda 21 and community involvement in the planning process should be supported.

Physical health and mental health are complementary. The promotion of culture and the arts is also fundamental to the development and harmony of the city. Equipment such as galleries, museums and exhibition centers must be installed and allow the people to enrich themselves and enjoy the heritage, art and culture. Therefore, preservation of heritage, that of historical sites and buildings will strengthen civic pride and sense of belonging to the city. Architecture as art and craft for the public must be preserved; while maintaining its mission to improve the quality of life in the city.

I urge members of the UIA sections to organize activities for the communities of the city can take part in this celebration.

Happy day to all the architecture!

ESA MOHAMED

UIA President

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