| ISOCARP60 NEW YEARS RECEPTION | | | THURSDAY 23 JANUARY 2025 – 09:00h CET (08:00h UTC) and 17:00h CET (16:00h UTC) ISOCARP60 NEW YEARS RECEPTION (online) - 5 years towards Agenda 2030!
- 40 years towards ISOCARP100!
- Countdown towards 61st World Planning Congress
- Cyber Agora 13 on Climate Action Planning (23 January – 14:00 CET)
| | | | Following the successful example of an ISOCARP Cyber Agora event by/on Women in Planning, we provide two time slots for all members from all time zones to take part without sacrificing (too much) sleep: at 09:00 CET (08:00h UTC) and 17:00h CET (16:00h UTC). Apart from raising a virtual glass for a peaceful, collaborative, committed and innovative new year, we also would like to reflect on: - Five years towards Agenda 2030: how can ISOCARP and the planning/planners community at large can best contribute to localize the accelerated implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and SDG 11 in particular? What is our Planning Agenda to implement the New Urban Agenda? How do we prepare for the post 2030 Agenda?
- Countdown towards 61st World Planning Congress: Where will it be? When? What will be the main theme and the tracks? Who will be the General and Track Rapporteurs? Not sure if we will have all answers ready to these and many more questions, but please join to hear what we know and have; and be the first to reply to an open call for contributions. Be prepared for some special guest contributions!
- Forty years towards ISOCARP100: Indeed, ISOCARP was founded on 23 January 1965 and of course we must celebrate this. Not just on that birthday, but until our next Congress, where we hope to launch a special publication as legacy for the next decades to come. Come and raise the glass to 60 years of ISOCARP as we know it; be prepared for some special guest contributions to hear some stories by members with strong memories; learn about the planned activities and events; and be the first to reply to an open call for contributions.
- Climate Action Planning: ISOCARP's Cyber Agora #13 on "Does COP matter for planners?" – see more below.
In a welcome and introduction message, the President will also update members on recent developments and decisions made by the successful and quorate general Assembly of Members on 21 December, the consequent Board meeting on 8 January and kickstarting the 'health scan'. While this reception aims in the first place at bringing together all current (individual and institutional) members, we also would like to extend the invitation to past and future members, and to our partners. To that purpose follow us on our social media platforms and invite planning colleagues and friends. | | ISOCARP60 DIAMOND JUBILEE
The International Society for City Planners (ISOCARP) was formally founded on 23 January 1965, in Amsterdam, The Netherlands; with Sam van Embden as first President and Haerman Herwig as first Secretary General/Treasurer - see the archive document below as published in our ISOCARP50 Silver Jubilee publication a decade ago. | | | On 23 January 2025 we will celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of ISOCARP, 60 years young. On 8 January, the Board appointed: - Judith Ryser as Chief Editor for the ISOCARP60 Coffee Table Book and Piotr Lorens as the Chair of the ISOCARP60 celebrations Committee, conform the concept-note prepared by the SG (which is now endorsed as basis for an open call to members to contribute and engage in this member-led activity, supervised by the SG.
- Ulrich Graute and Nadine Bitar as the General Rapporteurs of WPC61, with as theme "Cities and Regions in Action – Planning Pathways to Resilience and Quality of Life", enabling a call for (self) nominations of Congress Team members for tracks to be defined asap.
Both appointments and open calls will be made 'public'/launched during the upcoming virtual New Year's reception on 23 January 2025.
Please join one of the two time slots that best fits your time zone.
↳ THURSDAY 23 JANUARY 2025 – 09:00h CET (08:00h UTC) and 17:00h CET (16:00h UTC) | | DOES COP MATTERS FOR PLANNERS?
Cyber Agora #13 - 23 January 2025, 14:00-15:30 CET (13:00-14:30 UTC) On this special day, the 60th birthday of the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP), join us and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) for a thought-provoking and cutting-edge discussion on the value of international cooperation and the role of planners in addressing climate change. We are delighted to have a stellar group of speakers and international advocates for climate action, social justice and stronger collaboration across disciplines and programmes. We will address four important topics, each time pairing a specialist and a planner: - The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the initiatives that put cities at the forefront of action - Yunus Arikan, Director of ICLEI and indefatigable leader of the voice of cities and regions in the COP negotiations + Olafiyn Taiwo, researcher and lecturer at the University of Brighton and Chair of the Commonwealth Association of Planners Young Planners Network and Co-chair of the UN-Habitat Planners for Climate Action
- Mitigation: Ensuring mobility without carbon - Philip Turner of SLOCAT, the international, multi-stakeholder partnership powering systemic transformations and a just transition in transport and mobility systems + Martina Juvara, practicing strategic planner and member of the ISOCARP Scientific Committee
- Adaptation: Making space for water - Thomas Rebermark of the Stockholm International Water Institute, major contributors to the advancement of international policies for water management for a better future + Liz Sharp, professor of Water and Planning at the University of Sheffield with a keen interest on water governance issues.
- Loss and Damage: Mapping vulnerability to prioritise action - Cerin Kizhakkethottam and environmental lawyer and programme manager at UN-Habitat, who has recently led the preparation of specific guidance on vulnerability mapping + Tjark Gall, urban resilience specialist at the World Bank and coordinator of ISOCARP's Initiative for Climate Resilience Planning.
ISOCARP and RTPI organise a series of international webinars on the theme of climate action for planners. Both organisations are active participants at international events like the World Urban Forum and COPs, where we are an official Observer organisation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. | | ISOCARP AT COP29 IN BAKU
This year in Baku it was the fourth ISOCARP's participation at COP: our first time was in 2021 during the pandemic. A lot has changed since then!
First and foremost, ISOCARP is now in position to participate proactively and constructively as official UN NGO Observers and on behalf of all planning professionals. This is because it takes time to understand the complexities of this global process and negotiations. We have also switched 'constituency' (i.e. official representation) from the Environmental groups, mainly focused on energy transition and social justice, to the LGMA (Local Government and Municipal Authorities) who has a stronger focus on the role of cities and sub-regional governments in both negotiations and climate action.
This year we were with a small delegation of four people in person in Baku and a handful of virtual attendees. We held preparation and briefing sessions for all (thanks to Tjark Gall and Martina Juvara) and set clear objectives for all participants.
For the first time the ISOCARP President dedicated a full week in Baku, enabling the strengthening of relationships with the LGMA family: ICLEI, UN Habitat, IFLA and more. We had opportunity to moderate and participate in panel discussions in the pavilions, at the side of the official programme but the place where this year there was the most energy and innovation.
Daily summary posts on LinkedIn were done by Martina Juvara and a Special Pulse Report will come out soon. | | | ISOCARP at WUF12 in Cairo The 12th World Urban Forum culminated in the unveiling of the Cairo Call to Action, a declaration advocating for participatory urban planning as a means to achieve inclusion, resilience, and sustainability. The Call to Action emphasized the necessity of fostering equity through inclusive urban policies, advocating for the integration of social, economic, and environmental dimensions in planning practices. It also highlighted the importance of placing proximity and circularity at the center of urban development to ensure efficient resource use and greater accessibility. The declaration urged for stronger multi-level partnerships to drive transformative urban agendas and called for a renewed focus on climate-resilient infrastructure and adaptive urban planning. The role of education and knowledge-sharing platforms in empowering local governments and communities was also underscored as critical to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. ISOCARP aligned with these principles, reinforcing its commitment to advancing scalable and locally relevant solutions while fostering collaboration across sectors and regions. | | | WUF12 confirmed that urban challenges are deeply interconnected, demanding a shift from fragmented, sector-based efforts to integrated, people-centered approaches. Meeting the 2030 agenda is not just about policy frameworks — it is about translating lessons learned in Cairo into pragmatic, on-the-ground actions. For practitioners, this means working hand-in-hand with communities, testing new methods, sharing data openly, and adapting planning tools to local conditions. To make real progress, we must commit to continued exchange, honest reflection, and incremental change that, step by step, improves the cities we all rely on. ISOCARP reaffirmed its role as a global leader in sustainable urban development by: - Strengthening partnerships with other planning organizations
- Promoting scalable, localized planning practices.
- Advocating for the integration of climate resilience and equity into urban planning.
- Engaging youth and fostering inclusive urban policies.
We are currently wrapping up a recap of ISOCARP@WUF 12, soon to be found on our website. | | | Third ISOCARP Regional Event in Gdańsk The aim of the conference, held in Gdansk on 13-15 November 2024, hosted jointly by the City of Gdansk, Gdańsk University of Technology, and the Society of Polish Town Planners, is to create a platform for discussions between designers, planners, local government officials and investors; on shaping the architecture of contemporary cities and metropolises, as well as issues related to shaping design, planning and institutional and organizational solutions. The conference included several sessions, including: - Summary and results of competitions organized by the City of Gdańsk – for the best architectural project completed in Gdańsk in 2022-2023 and for the concept of shaping the newly planned Centrum Południe (Southern Centre)
- Introductory presentations – relating to the issues of designing and planning architectural and urban solutions at various scales;
- Discussion of experiences in shaping architectural and urban solutions of various scales;
- Discussions on the presented issues.
| | | Among the several ISOCARP -members invited by the hosts, President Elisabeth Belpaire provided opening messages and Secretary General Frank D'hondt presented a keynote on "from Vision to Institution", alongside other ISOCARP-keynotes by including Prof Hope Magidimisha-Chipungu, Judith Ryser, Sofia Morgado and Khalid Z. El Adli. ISOCARP members Piotr Lorens (Gdańsk City Architect) and Dorota Kamrowska-Zaluska (Gdańsk University of Technology) were perfect hosts once again. | | | ISOCARP at LiveableCitiesX Summit in Dubai From November 26 to 28, 2024, the Dubai World Trade Centre became the epicenter of urban innovation during the Liveable Cities Summit. This global event brought together policymakers, thought leaders, and trailblazers to rethink how we design, build, and live in cities. Centered around resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity, the summit explored how cities can lead the way in an ever-changing world. The Summit shared insights and discussed ways on how we can support our cities, towns, and regions to be resilient, sustainable, healthy, and inclusive . Key themes of the Summit included: - Urban Investment: Exploring strategies to attract and manage investments that drive sustainable urban development.
- Resilient Cities: Discussing approaches to enhance cities' ability to withstand and adapt to various challenges, including climate change and rapid urbanization.
- Citizen Engagement: Emphasizing the importance of involving residents in the planning and development processes to create inclusive and responsive urban environments.
- Future Mobility: Examining innovative transportation solutions that improve connectivity and reduce environmental impact.
Among the many speakers: - Mrs. Elisabeth Belpaire, President ISOCARP and champion of women in planning, delivered a powerful keynote on envisioning cities as powerful enablers of health, equity, resilience and sustainability, demonstrating the need and approaches to integrate regenerative, nature based solutions into urban planning to address global challenges as climate change, biodiversity loss and social inequity. She also contributed to the panel discussion at the intersection of planning, wellbeing and happiness, moderated by Dr Louise Lambert.
- Carlos Moreno, champion of the 15' city, presented his well-known take on urban proximity.
- Gil Penalosa, champion of 88-0 cities , focused on cities that are inclusive for elders and children.
- Cecilia Vaca Jones, champion of social policy cities is advising on child friendly cities.
- Nadine Bitar, Baladiya Catalyst and ISOCARP lifetime member, explored how Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) can unlock funds and attract investments to create sustainable, financially thriving cities.
This year's Summit left no doubt—cities have the power to shape a more equitable and sustainable world. | | | ISOCARP at 7th International Conference on Metropolitan Planning in Shanghai The 7th Metropolitan Planning International Conference took place in Shanghai on 8-9 December , with the goal of making global metropolises more livable. The conference brought together experts and scholars from around the world to discuss the challenges and future of mega city development. Attended by approximately 500 participants, including representatives from international organizations like ISOCARP, as well as major cities such as New York and Paris, the conference provided a platform for exchanging ideas and expertise. Topics discussed include Innovation and Transformation with three sub-themes: "Regional Space Governance: Growth and Linkage", "Addressing Climate Change: Low Carbon and Resilience", and "Digital Smart Cities: Intelligence and Future". This year's event also launched a Metropolitan Planning Exchange Network (MPEN) to bolster stronger exchanges and cooperation in metropolitan planning between Shanghai and other leading global cities. President Elisabeth Belpaire and Secretary General Frank D'hondt, alongside other planning experts with ISOCARP membership, were invited to take part in and contribute to the 7th International Conference on Metropolitan Planning, in Shanghai, world's third largest metropolis that never stops amazing urban planners and city lovers. The president delivered a keynote on 'Multi-scale planning for metropolitan health and resilience', and followed by an interview by the National Chinese TV CCTV. She also had the great delight of participating in the Youth Salon, an inspiring and interactive programme where young planners engaged critically with pressing topics and posed thought-provoking questions. Young planners is also a key focus area of her ISOCARP vision. | | | ISOCARP Conference Update | | | ISOCARP's 1st International Conference for New Cities Proceedings
We are thrilled to share Conference Proceedings of the 1st International Conference for New Cities, "Planning New Regenerative Cities" , which was an exceptional start to our 60th World Planning Congress Diamond Anniversary Series. This publication (Version 1) contains research papers and case study reports presented during the NCC Conference. If you are using Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can easily access and locate a paper through the "Bookmarks" panel in the navigation panel. | | Manifesto for New Regenerative Cities: A Call to Action
The 60th World Planning Congress Diamond Anniversary Series, held in New Clark City, Philippines, marked the starting point of a movement to rethink the future of new cities. The participants of the conference Do-Track initiated a Manifesto for New Regenerative Cities, a collaborative effort to develop urban planning and design principles for emerging cities, particularly in the Global South.
The Manifesto aims to critically address the challenges of new town development by means of placemaking and research-by-design. The Do-Track in New Clark City was a first, successful experiment, where this participatory and engaging methodology was tested, generating positive results. In the coming months the group of curators will organise workshops and online discussions to keep developing the Manifesto.
Join the Movement! You can contribute to this initiative by: - Sharing your insights: Participate in online discussions and workshops.
- Contributing to the Manifesto: Offer your expertise and ideas to shape its content.
- Networking with like-minded professionals: Connect with other urban planners, designers, and policymakers.
To stay updated and get involved, sign up for the mailing list: | | | Young Planning Professionals' Workshops | | | Resilient Planning for Central Luzon through the Filipino Values of Pakikisama and Utang na Loob
The main goal of the YPP workshops held during the 1st International Conference for New Cities, "Planning New Regenerative Cities" , which was an exceptional start to our 60th World Planning Congress Diamond Anniversary Series, is to use the chance to discuss the challenges of The Philippines and in particular the Central Luzon region (economy, social, infrastructure, environment) and to develop a local vision that searches for strengthening a regional strategy for development that integrates: - Contemporary solutions for resilience towards challenges of natural disasters, climate change and global market vulnerability - Incorporation of clean technologies and sustainable solutions (use of the newcomer advantage of The Philippines in the international competition) - Local, indigenous collaboration to improve the opportunities of rural and intermediate cities, without neglecting their local identity and ancient knowledge. - Economic/ Productive corridor Tarlac - Bataan - Metro Manila is proposed to be particularly used to inspire the discussion. The group will be quartered in New Clark City, which belongs to the Clark Special Economic Zone, and may also visit the Clark Freeport Zone and the Subic Bay Freeport Zone as part of the process, depending on the local logistics and available budget. | | | The Valleys of Siena- Global Ideas for Local Connectivity
In this YPP workshop, held during the 60Th World Planning Congress in Siena, Italy, young planning professionals combined the legacy of historic Siena being an ancient intermediate station of pilgrims and the current wish to reconnect the city and its monuments with the use of existing inner-city valleys and green corridors once again, The aim is to re-connect Siena in three different local elements: (1) Sites and monuments, (2) Its community, (3) Urban Siena with its rural surroundings. The YPP explored three different planning topics: (1) Business & Sustainable Tourism: experience, authenticity, placemaking, cultural landscape, heritage, etc. (2) Improved Mobility & Connectivity with lower emissions and better efficiency. (3) Nature & Climate Change related: heat-island effect, conservation of wildlife corridors, aquifer recharge, natural based solutions. | | | Hong Kong Rocks- Deep Planning for Strategic Cavern Development
ISOCARP in partnership with ITACUS (International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association's Committee on Underground Space) have recently made an agreement with the Geotechnical Division of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers HKIEGD – which entails a Young Planning Professionals (YPP) – Young Professionals Think Deep Program (YPTDP) Workshop. The Young Professional Think Deep Programme was hosted in Hong Kong and participants from overseas and Hong Kong collaborated to complete a fascinating capstone project on design of an industrial / a commercial / a combined industrial-commercial cavern development in Hong Kong, compared to existing examples of underground quarry-cum-cavern developments. | | | | |
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