According to UNESCO, the World Capital of Architecture is intended to become "an international forum for debates about pressing global challenges from the perspectives of culture, cultural heritage, urban planning and architecture."

Some 25,000 people are expected to attend the World Congress of UIA to discuss subjects such as town planning, mobility, public works, and sustainability. In addition, there will be several events during the year of 2020 to promote the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development's 11th Goal -- to make cities safe, resilient and sustainable.

As one of the oldest cities in Brazil, Rio has a mix of modern and colonial architecture, with world-renowned sites like the statue of Christ the Redeemer and contemporary constructions like the Museum of Tomorrow. The city is also home to works of renowned architects such as Oscar Niemeyer, who also designed Brazil's capital city Brasilia.