Call for ISOCARP Young Professionals Workshop in Gdańsk, Poland – 2026

Introduction

ISOCARP invites applications from emerging urban and regional planning professionals worldwide to participate in the 2026 Young Planning Professionals (YPP) Workshop in Gdańsk, Poland, taking place from 30 November to 5 December 2026.

The workshop is organised by the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP), in collaboration with the City of Gdańsk and Gdańsk University of Technology.

Since 1991, ISOCARP's Young Planning Professionals Programme has provided a platform for young professionals to exchange knowledge, develop their planning skills and collaborate across disciplines and geographical contexts.

Through intensive, collaborative workshops, participants engage with real-world urban challenges, learn from experienced practitioners and contribute fresh perspectives to the future of cities and regions.

The Gdańsk workshop will bring together a diverse group of young professionals to explore contemporary planning challenges, exchange international experiences and develop innovative, context-sensitive responses to urban development issues.

Working in an international and multidisciplinary environment, participants will learn from local planning practices while contributing their own professional knowledge and perspectives.

The workshop will focus on a contemporary urban and regional planning challenge relevant to Gdańsk and the wider international planning community.

Through collaborative research, field-based learning, discussions and group work, participants will develop practical insights and recommendations that respond to the selected planning challenge.

Workshop Objectives

The objectives of the workshop are to:

• Strengthen participants' analytical, collaborative and problem-solving skills in urban and regional planning.
• Encourage knowledge exchange between young professionals from different countries, disciplines and planning contexts.
• Explore innovative and sustainable approaches to addressing contemporary urban challenges.
• Connect international planning perspectives with local knowledge and practices in Gdańsk.
• Foster professional networks and support the next generation of planning leaders.
• Contribute to ISOCARP's mission of advancing knowledge for better cities.

Who Should Apply?

The call is open to motivated young professionals working in urban and regional planning and related disciplines, including urban design, architecture, landscape planning, geography, environmental planning, transport planning, urban development, spatial planning and other relevant fields.

Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in contemporary urban challenges, collaborative learning and international professional exchange.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should:

• Be aged 35 or younger, subject to the programme's final eligibility requirements.
• Be actively engaged in professional practice, research or a related field.
• Demonstrate an interest in urban and regional planning challenges and innovative solutions.
• Be able to communicate and work effectively in English, the working language of the workshop.
• Be available to participate in the full YPP programme and associated conference activities.
• Demonstrate a willingness to contribute actively to teamwork, discussions and collective outputs.

Applicants from diverse geographical backgrounds and professional disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Workshop Dates and Participation

Selected participants are expected to attend the full workshop and relevant conference activities.

Participants should arrange travel that allows them to take part throughout the programme.

Accommodation, Meals and Travel

The City of Gdańsk will cover accommodation and lunch during the workshop.

Participants are responsible for covering their own transportation to and from Gdańsk, including international or domestic travel costs.

Any additional expenses not expressly covered by the organisers will be the responsibility of the participant.

Participants should wait for the organisers' confirmation of accommodation arrangements and practical details before finalising their plans.

Application Requirements

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV): An up-to-date CV highlighting relevant education, professional experience, planning projects, research and other achievements.
2. Letter of Motivation: A short statement explaining the applicant's interest in the workshop, relevant experience, expectations and potential contribution to the programme.
3. Abstract or Statement of Interest: A concise outline of the applicant's professional interests, experience or proposed contribution in relation to the confirmed workshop theme.

Applicants should ensure that their submissions are complete and clearly demonstrate their suitability for the programme.

Selection Process

Applications will be assessed by the designated ISOCARP YPP selection team in accordance with the programme's requirements and objectives.

The selection process will consider:

• The relevance of the applicant's professional or academic background.
• The quality of the motivation statement and submitted abstract or statement of interest.
• The applicant's interest in collaborative planning and international knowledge exchange.
• The potential contribution of the applicant's experience and perspectives to the workshop.
• Geographical, gender and disciplinary diversity within the selected group.

Successful applicants will receive an official notification outlining the next steps, participation requirements and practical arrangements.