Since 1965, the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP) World Planning Congress has brought together the world’s leading city officials, planners, policymakers, and urban innovators to shape the future of cities through practice-driven global exchange.

ISOCARP invites forward-looking cities and institutions to submit an Expression of Interest to host the World Planning Congress in 2028, 2029, or 2030. Hosting the Congress positions your city as a global leader in planning and governance—delivering international visibility, direct influence on global urban agendas, and lasting policy and capability legacy.

Why Host?
Showcase your city as a living laboratory for sustainable, healthy, inclusive, adaptive, and resilient urban development, attract key talent in planning and design from over 90 countries, and embed global expertise directly into local priorities. Find out more here.

Impact that matters
The Congress generates significant economic activity, global media exposure, and long-term international partnerships—while turning your city into a reference point for good planning worldwide.

How to apply
The bidder must complete the online application web form, no later than 15th July 2026 (23:59 CEST). Extensions to this deadline are not permitted.

Important dates:
Call opens: 1st June 2026 00:00 CEST, online
Call closes: 15th July 2026 23:59 CEST.

Where to from here:
Once submitted, our team will review and evaluate incoming bids over the coming months and will get in touch with suitable hosts to discuss next steps.

Contact
Further guidance or enquiries regarding this EOI may be addressed to the International Society of Urban and Regional Planners (ISOCARP) Congress Team via email: congress@isocarp.org

EOI Form

"*" indicates required fields

Proposed year to hold the World Planning Congress*

If you can host in more than one of the listed years, please list all available years in 'other'.
City & Country*

Main Contact Person

Name*
Benefits to ISOCARP, to local communities and local institutions, to city and regional planning generally, among others.
Support for local planning profession and institutions through the Congress, Local support and involvement in the Congress, Bringing a special character to the ISOCARP Congress, among others
Please elaborate on past experience, financial backing, facilities and technical resources, language considerations, support from partners and sponsors, as well as likely composition of the Local Organizing Committee
Include here elements such as basic accommodation, meals, local transport and/or travel support to participants, especially from low-income countries
Drop files here or
Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 64 MB.
    Please upload here your official Expression of Interest Letter, signed by the legal representative of the Host.