The United Nations Human Settlements Programme mourns the death of Dame Zaha Hadid, one of the most celebrated and iconic architects and urban design figures of our time. Known as an architect who consistently pushed the boundaries of architecture and urban design, her work experimented with new spatial concepts, intensifying existing urban landscapes and encompassing all fields and levels of design.

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme’s Executive Director Dr. Joan Clos expressed his deepest condolences for the loss of  Zaha Hadid: “This is sorrowful news of  an inspirational role model for female architects, and I extend sincere condolences to the family of Zaha Hadid and to the Iraqi people.” Dame Zaha Hadid mentioned once that it was "still tough for (her), too, as a woman architect." But she was tough and she made it to the top in a male-dominated profession designing some of the world’s most legendary urban monuments.

In a recent postcard she wrote to herself, "Your success will not be determined by your gender or your ethnicity, but only by the scope of your dreams". She was a real pioneer of our time who gave the right and true image of women and Iraqi people. She will always be remembered for her formidable urban legacy.