ISOCARP PULSE FEBRUARY 2026
ISOCARP PULSE February 2026 is now available!
In this issue, we are delighted to share news about our newly elected Board members and extend our warm congratulations to them. You will also find several open calls—some with approaching deadlines—so we encourage you to take a look and apply. In addition, we are highlighting upcoming webinars and workshops, including the online workshop on the ISOCARP Manifesto for New Regenerative Cities, the 16th Cyber Agora, and a webinar on women and planning in celebration of International Women’s Day, as well as other exciting events organized by our partners.
Celebrating the Success of the 61st ISOCARP
World Planning Congress
World Planning Congress
We are still overjoyed by the remarkable success of the Congress and extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making it such a meaningful and impactful gathering. Your energy, insights, and commitment truly brought this global community together and turned a shared vision into reality.
Guided by our theme “Cities & Regions in Action: Planning Pathways to Resilience and Quality of Life,” ISOCARP’s 61st World Planning Congress moved beyond theory to focus on what actually works on the ground. The theme brought together more than 1000 leaders, experts, and practitioners from around the world to address the most pressing urban challenges of our time. From the innovation of the Young Planning Professionals workshops to the technical depth of our Masterclass, we saw a clear commitment to finding solutions that scale across different regional contexts.
We were honored to present the distinguished recipients of the ISOCARP Awards 2025, recognizing outstanding contributions to urban and regional planning, professional excellence, innovation, leadership, and process-driven impact worldwide. Congratulations to all the award winners. We express our sincere gratitude to the Riyadh Region Municipality (أمانة منطقة الرياض) for its exceptional hospitality and for hosting the Congress in a city that is emerging as a significant hub for forward-looking urban vision. We also thank Highness Dr. Faisal bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh for the exceptional generosity we have all experienced from the moment we arrived in Riyadh.
We once again express our deepest appreciation for your invaluable support, which was instrumental to the success of this global event.
Message from the President – Thank you for
shaping the year with us!
Dear ISOCARP Members, Colleagues, Partners and Friends,
ISOCARP thrives because of the generosity of its community! More than 80 dedicated member volunteers—for governance, standing committees, and task forces such as Health Scan and the Scientific Committee; supporting membership alliances and activities with partners; serving as General Rapporteurs and Congress team members for the recent unique World Congress; supporting fellow young planners through YPP, twinning, or scholarship programmes; engaging in other flagship activities such as publications, awards, and planning services; and contributing immense passion and effort to numerous member-driven activities such as the climate initiative and communities of practice, women in planning, regional conferences, the Next City Seminar, ISOCARP60, and more. A generous thank you!
A sincere thank you to our wider community contributors with as external jury members, experts and partners, who give their time, energy, and expertise throughout the year. A warm appreciation for your commitment.
Deep gratitude to to His Highness Dr. Faisal bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh for hosting ISOCARP’s unique 61 World Planning Congress and the exceptional generosity we have all experienced from the moment we arrived in Riyadh.
I would like to warmly thank the Board and in particular the Executive Committee, for their exceptional efforts and dedication during an intense year on a daily basis. Your hard work, endurance and teamwork have been essential in putting ISOCARP back on track and in preparing the Society for a strong and confident future. Wishing an inspiring journey to and a special thanks to Frank D’hondt, who served ISOCARP as Secretary-General for six years, for his dedication and contribution to the Society, marked by remarkable endurance, consistency, and a strong commitment to ISOCARP’s core values – much like an endurance runner who stays the course over the long distance. A big thank you to our wonderful staff for their professionalism, dedication, and continued commitment to ISOCARP, often working behind the scenes to keep the Society moving forward.
With a renewed Board, renewed energy and a strong shared sense of purpose, we will continue strengthening ISOCARP as a global, inclusive, and forward-looking community of planners.
Elisabeth Belpaire
President of ISOCARP
