ISOCARP is saddened by the peaceful passing of our colleague and prestigious friend, Professor Vanessa Watson.
Vanessa played a remarkable role in the Planning Profession, as co-founder of the African Centre for Cities, Professor of city planning in the School of Architecture at the University of Cape Town (South Africa), chair and co-chair of the Global Planning Education Association Network (2007-2011), founder of the Association of African Planning Schools, Global South Editor of Urban Studies and as editor of the European Journal of Development Research to name but a few.
Her research focused on urban planning in the global South and the effects of inappropriate planning practices and theories, especially in Africa. As one of the top planning and urban scholars in the world, Vanessa was a towering example of what engaged and impactful scholarship looks like. She was a part of the ISOCARP family and participated as a Keynote Speaker at the ISOCARP Conference that was held in Brisbane in 2013 and in 2016 in Durban.
ISOCARP salutes Professor Vanessa Watson, you showed this world kindness and compassion. Your legacy will continue to soar.
Martin Dubbeling, ISOCARP President
Frank D’hondt, ISOCARP Secretary General