Highlights from our 1st International Conference for New Cities "Planning Regenerative Cities"
New Clark City, Philippines, 10-13 September 2024 | | | We are thrilled to share that the 1st International Conference for New Cities, "Planning New Regenerative Cities," was an exceptional start to our 60th World Planning Congress Diamond Anniversary Series.
We are very grateful to the 350+ participants and authors from 28 countries of the Global South and North who honoured us with their presence to share four days of knowledge exchange, additional tourist visits, fantastic food, and celebrations that immersed us in the rich Filipino culture and highlighted our new challenges as planners.
Our biggest recognition goes to the energetic Governor of Tarlac Province, Ms. Susan Yap, as well to Haydee Jacklyn Malubay, head of the Local Organising Committe, to our Conference Team as well as the ISOCARP Secretariat for the organisation of this pioneering inaugural event. | | | The conference offered 35 sessions in an overall rich and engaging programme, featuring: 60+ papers and case studies were presented, after being carefully selected by our dedicated Conference Team, led by our outstanding General Rapporteur, Andy Simarmata (from Jakarta, Indonesia).
Thank you all and we hope to see you next year in the 61st ISOCARP World Planning Congress! | | | 60th ISOCARP World Planning Congress
"Reinventing The (In)visible Cities"
Siena, Italy | 8-12 October 2024 | | | Congress Declaration from the 60th World Planning Congress held in Siena, Italy 🌍
This landmark event brought together planners, experts, and young professionals from over 70 countries to "Reinvent the (In)Visible Cities," blending heritage and innovation to forge pathways to resilience.
From rich discussions on cultural heritage to pioneering urban planning solutions, our declaration highlights key insights and actionable steps for a more sustainable and inclusive urban future. Join us as we celebrate the power of planning to transform cities worldwide!
Click the button to read the full declaration 👇 | | | ISOCARP Awards 2024 The ISOCARP Awards in Siena were especially memorable this year. Alongside the traditional categories, ISOCARP introduced the "Siena Innovative and Creative Awards 2024" to honor this unique anniversary. These additional categories highlighted Siena's cultural richness, its deep heritage, and paid homage to the legacy of renowned author Italo Calvino, celebrating both the city's history and forward-thinking spirit. | | | ISOCARP at the 19th Global Forum on Human Settlements at UN HQ in New York City 🌍 In observance of World Cities Day 2024, the 19th Global Forum on Human Settlements (GFHS 2024) was held at the UN Headquarters in NYC on October 24. The forum brought together global leaders and professionals to explore solutions for sustainable cities and share their experiences around this year's theme: "Invigorate Innovation and Local Leadership for a Sustainable Urban Future."
We're thrilled to share that ISOCARP was well-represented by:
• Elisabeth Belpaire, ISOCARP President
• Dr. Wafa Al-Daily, ISOCARP Board Member
• Dr. Tijana Tufek Memišević, ISOCARP Board & Scientific Committee Member
Elisabeth Belpaire delivered a powerful keynote at the opening session, highlighting the urgency of place based regenerative, nature-based solutions and urban and territorial planning at scales for sustainable cities and communities.
Dr. Tijana Tufek Memišević and Dr. Wafa Al-Daily contributed valuable insights as panelists in the session: "Foster Innovation and Integration in Urban Planning and Design," driving decisions on integrated approaches to urban development while engaging with communities and stakeholders, and leveraging technology in planning for a resilient urban future.
This impactful gathering was an opportunity to build bridges with passionate professionals and organisations dedicated to shaping a sustainable urban future. | | ISOCARP Cyber Agora Series: Advancing Critical Discourse on Planning's Role in Sustainable Futures
ISOCARP's recent Cyber Agora series has continued to elevate discourse in urban and regional planning, addressing some of the field's most urgent and forward-thinking topics. These sessions attracted global audiences and showcased insights from prominent experts, reinforcing planning's critical role in developing sustainable and resilient urban futures. Notably, these Cyber Agora events underline ISOCARP's strong member-led character, as each session was fully organized through the initiative and dedication of individual members. Below is a summary of the recent sessions, with recordings now available for further exploration.
| | Cyber Agora 10: Artificial Intelligence in Planning
Cyber Agora 10 set a record with an audience of approximately 3,800 viewers, including a significant live-streamed audience in China, underscoring the high level of global interest in artificial intelligence (AI) within the planning sector. Co-curated by Dr. Ulrich Graute and Dr. Tijana Tufek Memisevic, the session examined AI's transformative potential to enhance data-driven decision-making, foster public engagement, and improve resource allocation. Expert presentations from Dr. Thomas W. Sanchez, Dr. Li Fengqing, and Dr. Dorota Kamrowska-Zaluska addressed both the opportunities and ethical considerations of AI integration. Reflections from ISOCARP colleagues Dr. Wafa Al-Daily and Dr. Li Fan further enriched the discussion.
| | Cyber Agora 11: Regional Planning for Resilient Natural Systems
Cyber Agora 11, conducted in collaboration with the Royal Town Planning Institute, focused on the theme "Regional Planning for Resilient Natural Systems" and engaged nearly 900 live-streamed attendees. This session emphasized the importance of regional planning in safeguarding natural systems, fast-eroding coastlines, and peri-urban green oases, underscoring their role in promoting ecological resilience. Panelists Jala Makhzoumi, Hrvoje Cindrić, Prof. Samer Bagaeen, Carolina Figueroa Arango, and Sourav Kumar Biswas offered diverse perspectives on integrating resilience into planning, underscoring the value of cross-sector collaboration. Co-organizers Martina Juvara and Tjark Gall were integral to facilitating this discussion. Reflections were provided by the partner representatives, Dr. Tijana Tufek Memisevic from ISOCARP and Béatrice Crabb from RTPI.
| | Cyber Agora 12: Degrowth as an Alternative Solution for Sustainable Urban Planning – A Myth or Reality?
Cyber Agora 12 examined the concept of degrowth as a framework for sustainable urban planning, co-curated by Prof. Hope Magidimisha, and Prof. Dorota Kamrowska-Zaluska. The session analyzed the viability of degrowth—a model advocating for reduced consumption and economic downscaling—as a path toward sustainability in urban areas. Supporters of degrowth presented its potential benefits in addressing environmental issues and social inequalities, while discussion led to further exploration of the similarities with aligning movements and concepts in planning, policy and economic development. Panelists included Dr. Alejandro de Castro Mazarro,Prof. Izabela Mironowicz and and Dr. Robert Skrzypczyński, who brought varied perspectives on the practical implications and challenges of degrowth. Valuable reflections were provided by Dr. Li Fan and Dr. Madina Junussova.
These three Cyber Agora events illustrate ISOCARP's commitment to advancing critical discussions on planning's evolving responsibilities in addressing global sustainability and resilience challenges, and they exemplify the society's member-led ethos. Session recordings are available on ISOCARP's YouTube channel for further viewing.
Members who wish to propose a topic for an ISOCARP Cyber Agora, organize an event, or seek further information, are invited to contact cyberagora@isocarp.org or the board member in charge, Dr. Tijana Tufek Memisevic, at tmemisevic@isocarp.org. | | | ISOCARP at the 12th World Urban Forum in Cairo Among the 24.000 persons from 182 countries present at the 12th World Urban Forum in Cairo, 4-8 November, there were several Board and other members representing the International Society of City and Regional Planners, including the President and Secretary General. Speakers, panellists, and attendees from diverse backgrounds explored the multifaceted dimensions of this year's theme, "It All Starts at Home," and reflected on its significance across various sectors. The closing ceremony saw the unveiling of the Cairo Call to Action, a document encapsulating key messages and ideas from the discussions, including following statement:
"We call for urban planning to deliver better local outcomes - Participatory urban planning is instrumental to addressing the challenges and unlocking the benefits of urbanization. Effective urban planning is the backbone of delivering inclusion, resilience, accessibility and sustainability in cities and communities. A holistic approach to the social, ecological, and economic functions of land and the continuum of land rights are key. Placing proximity and circularity at the centre of urban development is necessary to ensure efficient resource consumption, environmental sustainability, economic prosperity, and social equity. The promotion of people-centred smart cities principles is key in that endeavour. We call for all actors to apply urban planning and land use articulated around the principles of equity, shared prosperity, and resource efficiency."
ISOCARP co-organized four networking events that embody our mission of driving sustainable planning and demonstrate our commitment to fostering impactful urban and regional development. | | Event 1: Stronger Communities, Better Cities – The Power of Planning Together
This engaging session spotlighted cutting-edge tools and participatory planning strategies that empower communities to tackle today's urban challenges. With practical insights, case studies, and innovative frameworks, the event explored how inclusive and resilient planning can transform cities globally bridging the gap between the global north and south.
| | Event 2: Five Ways for Spatial Planning to Mainstream Climate Action Solutions
Climate action starts with the way we plan. This session addressed how spatial planning can serve as a catalyst for transformative climate solutions on a scale. Panelists shared global insights on leveraging existing planning systems to promote resilience, sustainability, and community-led climate actions. From policy shifts to practical approaches, this session inspired change that leaves no one behind.
| | Event 3: Towards an International Landscape Convention - Rethinking Land Use
This engaging session spotlighted cutting-edge tools and participatory planning strategies that empower communities to address today's urban challenges. Through practical insights, case studies, and innovative frameworks, the event explored how inclusive and resilient planning can transform cities worldwide, bridging gaps between the global north and south.
| | Event 4: It Starts with Children - Local Actions for Inclusive Urban Futures
This session, hosted by Cities4Children, focuses on creating child-centered urban spaces. We'll explore ways to build safe, inclusive, and sustainable cities for children, featuring perspectives from key organizations like UNICEF, Save the Children, and UCLG. The session will highlight the importance of child-friendly planning, emphasizing the financial and social benefits of investing in young urban citizens. ISOCARP was also represented in the Assembly of partners of then Global Alliance of Cities4Children, the day before the official opening of WUF12.
| | | Other events
ISOCARP actively participated in and contributed to: - the Roundtable of Professionals, chaired and introduced by Anacláudia Rossbach, the new Executive Director of UN-Habitat;
- the Habitat Professional Forum, launching the Charter of Participatory Planning;
- the social event organised by ISOCARP institutional member RTPI (Royal Town Planning Institute), bringing together all representatives from all members of the Global Planners Network;
- the celebration of World Town Planning Day on 8 November, at our booth in the Urban Expo.
| | | Urban Expo Booth – A Hub of Collaboration ISOCARP proudly collaborated with leading global planning organizations at the Urban Expo booth under the umbrella of the Global Planning Network (GPN). Together with City Space Architecture and Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), and Urban Planning Society of China (UPSC), as core partners, and the American Planning Association (APA) as a supporting partner, we showcased the transformative power of planning to shape sustainable urban futures. Many members and partners visited the booth and participate in the different small events planned by all partners, including a memorable celebration of the 75th anniversary of World Town Planning Day. A more comprehensive report with lessons learned will soon follow and published on our website, as milestone towards WUF13 in Baku, Azerbaijan. | | ISOCARP Statement for the World Cities Day 2024
Intergenerational Action for well-planned Climate-resilient Cities The International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP) wishes to join UN-Habitat, as part of the United nations System, and the global sustainability community in celebrating the 10th World Cities Day (WCD) on 31 October, marking the closure of Urban October. | | | This year, the Global Observance of World Cities Day, is under the theme Youth leading climate and local action for cities. Young people advocate for bolder steps and actions to tackle climate crisis in our cities. It will draw attention on how we can capture these bold ideas and ambitious targets and turn them into achievements. The key event takes places in Alexandria, Egypt, only a few days before the opening of the 12th World Urban Forum in Cairo, Egypt.
The shock of the coronavirus pandemic compounded by the climate and biodiversity crises has been so profound that some have even questioned the idea of the city as such. Perhaps we are closer to a new definition of the city than we realise. It might be one that is not based on the physical concepts related to urban form (density, centrality, concentration) but is more oriented towards urban flows, social aspirations and environmental constraints. Polycentric structure and local communities are gaining attention. The newly popular concept of the '15 min city' — living, working, shopping, socialising locally — is being adopted by some city councils. Technology driven de-carbonisation is now widely accepted as a strategic objective and is being implemented beyond only pilot projects in many countries. Even economic de-growth is on the table, although we still need to explain how this scenario can be reconciled with current economic regimes and the needs of the developing nations. Since many years, the Annual World Planning Congresses of ISOCARP exp | | | | |
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