Given the challenges posed by climate change in Small Island Developing States, it is essential to adopt sustainable practices. These not only protect structures against natural disasters but also enhance the people's quality of life and contribute to the conservation of the Caribbean ecosystem.

To explore opportunities for more sustainable, inclusive and resilient urban development, the UNESCO programme Transcultura: Integrating Cuba, the Caribbean and the European Union through Culture and Creativity, funded by the European Union, joined the Architects' Council of Europe to organize the online debate Less is more: sustainability is endless. Leveraging creative green architecture solutions for accessible social well-being, which took place on 11 April 2024 via Zoom.

Anne Lemaistre, the director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Havana said, "The consequences of extreme weather events go beyond human loss and impact the economic growth of Caribbean nations. The lack of investment in infrastructure and social programmes slows productivity and reduces the quality of life of the population, highlighting the urgency of sustainable solutions."

At the event, Caribbean and European architects highlighted the importance of resilient planning to avoid the perpetuation of urban vulnerability. They presented creative, sustainable architecture initiatives and offered key recommendations to make the most of the growing green architecture sector in both the Caribbean and Europe.

Anoushka Mathur-Fairfield (Trinidad and Tobago), an architect, said, "From my experience, I have witnessed how the built environment has the power to inspire and significantly enhance people's quality of life. However, I've also observed that poorly planned and designed buildings can let us down, particularly in the most vulnerable communities. My current focus centers on finding ways to leverage our knowledge to construct more sustainable solutions amidst the climate crisis, benefiting all communities."

Among the benefits derived from the integration of sustainable solutions in architectural design, the professionals highlighted the creation of buildings that are not only resistant to the impacts of climatic phenomena but also respect the environment, are efficient in the use of resources and generate an environment conducive to the well-being of its inhabitants. This leads, for example, to better indoor air quality, natural lighting or thermal comfort, which, at the same time, may represent long-term economic saving vectors for the Caribbean.

Carl Bäckstrand (Sweden), the Vice-President of the Architects' Council of Europe, said, "Architects play a pivotal role in steering us toward a more sustainable future. Each material choice, every architectural form, and all decisions contribute to shaping a more environmentally friendly world. Furthermore, fostering stronger collaboration across disciplines and nations is essential to tackle global challenges. "

With this exchange, the Transcultura Programme aimed to enrich the discussion on the importance of adopting responsible architectural practices in the construction of a more sustainable and equitable future, as well as to open opportunities for collaboration between professionals from the Caribbean and Europe.