Invitation by the President
This year’s topic “Cities we have vs. cities we need” encapsulates the global transformation of urbanism. Our 52nd World Planning Congress will examine and generate approaches to transitions from static to dynamic communities; inhabitants to citizens; theory to practice; regulation to urban resiliency; sectoral infrastructure to smart cities; and integrating rural/urban and natural/built environments.
Environmental designers, civil servants, students and many others will participate in this collaborative event that provides a unique forum for innovative international concepts and practices. The Durban, South Africa location is exceptionally beautiful, and our hosts are planning numerous activities that will be both meaningful and memorable. I invite you to be part of this extraordinary gathering and also to join ISOCARP, a global association of professional planners from more than 80 countries.
With much appreciation for your interest and commitment to “Knowledge for Better Cities.”
Ric Stephens
President of ISOCARP
Welcome by Vice-President Congresses and Events
The 2015 ISOCARP Congress was hosted in The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. We were celebrating our 50th Anniversary as well. The topic was Cities Save the World – Let’s Reinvent Planning”. It was a very innovative approach to divide the congress into two parts. First one consisted of two day workshops in 12 different cities. There the delegates have discussed the specific topics around which the workshops were planned – just as the tracks during a congress. Then everyone has travelled to Rotterdam for the remaining three days of plenary, central debate. Results of the workshop discussions were presented there, as well as other events such as ISOCARP 50th Anniversary celebrations, Mayors Summit, Matchmaking Sessions and excellent Keynote Speeches. We are grateful to Local Organising Committee and the organisers of the workshop in various cities, who have made a tremendous effort to make this possible.
This year ISOCARP congress will take place in Durban, South Africa. It will discuss the theme of “Cities we Have vs Cities we Need”. The Local Organising Committee – headed by Martin Lewis – and General Rapporteur Guy Perry will make sure that this will be another unforgettable event, both in terms of organisation and content. On the first day delegates will visit various places for workshop visits and discussion and then continue to discuss in Durban for three days. We are expecting a very exciting and entertaining programme. We will all contribute to a forum of exchange of knowledge, cases and professional experiences. These are expectations from the region to learn from experiences, that I am sure ISOCARP will deliver.
We all hope that the delegates will enjoy their time, will be satisfied with the contents and will remember this congress for long time. Join us in Durban! Submit your abstract and register today!
See you in Durban in September!
Slawomir (Slawek) Ledwon
ISOCARP Vice-President Congresses and Events
Welcome by the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee
The Local Organising Committee for the 52nd ISOCARP Congress would like to invite and at the same time welcome all international as well as national delegates to our beautiful country South Africa.
The Congress theme for this year is “The Cities we have vs the Cities we need”. The theme invites us to reflect on our cities as we know them and explore their futures as we want them. It is an open theme that seeks to start a global dialogue on creative ways in which we can build a better urban future.
With much urban growth happening in the developing world and especially in Africa, this theme opens opportunities for questioning the ideologies, discourse, theories and practices of planning. It asks of us to open a conversation with urban planning designers, theorists and practitioners from around the world in order to forge new partnerships to advance urban change.
In the usual admirable ISOCARP tradition, the congress brings together hundreds of planners to connect, collaborate, and deliberate on urban change of the 21st century. The conference will host academics, politicians and practitioners who are both experienced and young within an ambience of South African hospitality.
With the theme: “The Cities we have vs the Cities we need,” South Africa as a growing democracy, Inspiring New Ways, provides an ideal opportunity to discuss, reflect and share with colleagues across the globe, ways and means on how we live and work in urban environments within the beautiful city of Durban, Kwazulu-Natal.
The LOC invite all of you with open arms to a country where diversity thrives in unity.
Martin Lewis
Chairmain of the Local Organising Committee
Members of the LOC
Mr Martin Lewis – LOC Chairperson
Representing the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR)
Dr Nozizwe Makgalemele
Mr Rajesh Makan
Ms Buyisiwe Zuma
Representing the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (KZN COGTA)
Mr Lennox Mabaso
Mrs Mandisa Zungu
Mrs Princess Mtshali
Ms Penelope Sibisi
Representing the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality
Ms Lekha Allopi
Mr Musa Mbhele
Mrs Charmel Payet
Ms Gugu Mbonambi
Representing the South African Council for Planners (SACPLAN)
Ms Nontsundu Ndonga
Mr Tshisa Madima
Representing the University of KwaZulu-Natal
Dr Hangwelani Hope Magidimisha
Prof Betty Mubangizi
Representing the Durban-KZN Convention Bureau
Mr James Seymour
Ms Sonto Mayise
Subcommittee Chairpersons
Communications, Marketing and Entertainment Subcommittee
Lennox Mabaso – KZN COGTA
Scientific and Programme Subcommittee
Prof Fana Sihlongonyane – SACPLAN
Sponsorships Subcommittee
Masingitha Makhandlela – eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality
Young Planning Professionals Subcommittee
Dr Hope Magidimisha – UKZN
Sponsorships Subcommittee
Rajesh Makan – DRDLR
Organisation Logistics Subcommittee
Mr Tshisa Madima – SACPLAN
Exhibitions Subcommittee
Mr Bongumusa Zondo – eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality
Technical Tours / Workshops Subcommittee
Ms Nontsundu Ndonga – SACPLAN
Urban Planning Advisory Team Subcommittee
Mr Peter Dacomb – SACPLAN