April 5, 2016
UN Secretary General calls for architects to build lives of peace and dignity for all on a healthy planet

UC Innovation Center – Anacleto Angelini, 2014, San Joaquín Campus, Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile | Photo by James Florio

Distinguished members of the Pritzker family,

Members of the Pritzker Prize jury,

This year’s laureate, Señor Alejandro Aravena,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am delighted that this year’s Pritzker Architecture Prize ceremony takes place at United Nations Headquarters, which is itself a masterpiece of planning and design.

We are flattered that the world’s workshop of peace joins a list of esteemed historic sites around the world that have hosted the Pritzker ceremony.

The work of this year’s Pritzker laureate, Alejandro Aravena of Chile, shows how much architecture can contribute to achieving our shared goals.

The United Nations is striving to build resilient societies, and to support the most vulnerable members of society. Señor Aravena is a pioneer in low-cost social housing and in rebuilding cities after natural disasters.

The world needs an energy revolution to meet the threat posed by climate change. Señor Aravena’s work is helping to reduce energy consumption.

The United Nations aims to make cities safer and more inclusive. Señor Aravena’s schools, parks and public spaces are doing precisely that.

I congratulate Señor Alejandro Aravena on this recognition.

The United Nations looks forward to working with architects and related disciplines to build lives of peace and dignity for all on a healthy planet.

Please accept my best wishes for a memorable ceremony.

Ban Ki-moon
UN Secretary-General