Attending COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, as a representative of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) was truly an honor and a powerful testament to the global influence and collaborative impact of our profession. The AIA, with nearly 100,000 members across more than 100 countries, has long been at the forefront of addressing critical global challenges. Our involvement in organizations such as the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC), USGBC, Architecture 2030, ICC, and other AEC bodies reflects the growing footprint of our work in shaping the future of the built environment. At COP29, the AIA delegation was highly effective: We spoke about a variety of key issues that are shaping the future of our profession and the planet. Alongside my colleagues Kimberly Dowdell, Lakisha Woods, Vicky Schneider, Derek Washam, and AIA members in attendance, we made significant contributions to conversations about carbon reduction, circularity, resilient infrastructure, and affordable housing, and the role of architecture in climate adaptation more broadly.Though our team was smaller than in previous years by the numbers, this year marked our highest level of engagement at COP to date, with the AIA securing more speaking opportunities than ever before. These sessions underscored the critical role of architects in global adaptation efforts and emphasized the power of design to address some of the most pressing issues of our time.The Task At HandCOP29 revealed deep challenges in global climate negotiations, particularly in relation to financing climate projects in the Global South. Despite the hope for $1.3 trillion in annual climate funding, negotiators ultimately fell short, agreeing to a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) of $300 billion per year by 2035.This is a stark reminder of the difficulty in achieving global consensus toward mobilizing the resources necessary to address the needs of vulnerable communities around the world. Furthermore, despite the global commitment of limiting temperature rise to 1.5-degree Celsius, it was evident that no country is currently on track to meet the emission reduction targets set at COP25 in Paris, putting the most vulnerable nations at increasing risk of devastating climate impacts. That said, there were positive developments at COP29, particularly around the themes of adaptation, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), and resilience. The overall acknowledgment that sustainability and resilience must go hand in hand as two sides of the same coin was a significant step forward. Climate adaptation, particularly building resilient communities, emerged as a central focus of the conference. We cannot reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the long run if we are constantly rebuilding after disasters.In 2023, over 114 million people were displaced by natural and manmade disasters around the world, while damage to communities exceeded $236 billion, including the 28 disasters in the U.S. that each exceeded a total of $92 billion in damage. The recognition that these two goalsmitigation (GHG reduction) and adaptation (resilient design)are inseparable is a critical turning point in the global conversation. Its clear that the design profession, especially architecture, must play a central role in shaping communities that are not only sustainable but also resilient in the face of climate change.Another encouraging development was the increased emphasis on indigenous knowledge and practices. The inclusion of indigenous leadership in the negotiations and the call for incorporating their time-tested, regenerative practices into global climate strategies reflects a broader shift toward more holistic, inclusive solutions. This commitment to protecting the most vulnerable populations and empowering the Global South was a key focus of the Sharm-El-Sheik Adaptation Agenda, which seeks to provide resilient communities for over 3 billion people worldwide. Despite the setbacks in securing full funding for these initiatives, the visibility and influence of the Global South was higher than ever before, demonstrating the growing recognition of their needs and leadership in the global climate dialogue.Looking AheadAs the AIA continues to expand its influence around the world, we are building stronger relationships with politicians, member organizations, NGOs, and UN agencies focused on infrastructure and housing. We met U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm; leadership from FEMA, NOAA, and other agencies; state leaders such as Governor of Washington Jay Inslee and Washington State Senator Joe Nguyen; as well as representatives from WHO, UN-HABITAT; and fellow architects from around the world that hold key positions, like Yoko Alander from Estonia, Minister of Climate. These meetings have laid the groundwork for the continued success of AIA members on the global stage, providing valuable opportunities to collaborate with international leaders and stakeholders. Attending this COP reinforced our belief that the work of architects has never been more urgent. As professionals committed to improving the health, safety, and welfare of the public, we have a unique ability to bridge the gap between community needs and global financing. By translating the goals of local communities into actionable, science-backed design solutions, we can alleviate some of the greatest pinch points in the climate crisis.Looking ahead to COP30 in Brazil, we are hopeful that the necessary agreements will be reached to unlock more significant funding for climate adaptation. The next COP promises to be a critical moment for our profession, and the AIA is ready to continue leading the charge. By placing more architects at the forefront of these global negotiations, we can help unlock the resources needed to meet the pressing demands of communities both here at home and around the world. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the future of our built environment, and the planet we all share.Illya Azaroff is AIA National President Elect 2025. He was a COP29 Delegate as AIA National Board at Large Director. Azaroff is also Professor in Practice at New York City College of Technology, and Director of Resilient Design and Regenerative Planning at +LAB architect, a New York and Los Angeles office. He will assume his role as AIA National President in 2026.