The International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP) is a global association of experienced professional planners. It was founded in 1965 in a bid to bring together recognised and highly-qualified planners in an international network.
Global Network
The ISOCARP network brings together individual and institutional members from more than 80 countries worldwide. Members are planners and other stakeholders involved in the development and maintenance of the built environment. As a non-governmental organisation ISOCARP is recognized by the United Nations (UN), the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UNHCS/UN-HABITAT), and the Council of Europe. The Society also has a formal consultative status with the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
Although ISOCARP members work in many different fields they share a common interest in the spatial and environmental dimensions of urbanisation. They advise key decision-makers, proposing and supporting projects for intervention in a spatial context through general or specific actions.
Activate knowledge
The objectives of ISOCARP include the improvement of planning practice through the creation of a global and active network of practitioners. ISOCARP encourages the exchange of professional knowledge between planners, promotes the planning profession in all its forms, stimulates and improves planning research, training and education and enhances public awareness and understanding of major planning issues at a global level.
World Congress
The Society’s main event is the annual World Congress, which focuses on a globally-significant planning theme and which takes place in a different country each year. Prior to the congress Young Planning Professional Workshops are organized. This YPP programme seeks to bring together emerging young planning professionals from all over the world to tackle ‘real-world’ planning projects. Smaller-scale events such as seminars and working groups are also organized.
Publications and Awards
All ISOCARP activities are covered in publications such as the ISOCARP Review, the International Manual of Planning Practice (IMPP), Congress proceedings and special project reports.
ISOCARP recognises excellence through the Society’s award programme.
Urban Planning Advisory Teams
ISOCARP Urban Planning Advisory teams (UPATs) assist sponsor organizations by offering the extensive experience and expertise of ISOCARP members to work on important local or international planning projects, programs and policy initiatives.
More details on further ISOCARP activities and the way how to join us are provided in the following ISOCARP brochure:
