On 25-27 September, sixteen international urban planners gathered for three intensive days in The Hague, Zoetermeer, Delft, and Rotterdam. Together, we celebrated 60 years of ISOCARP, reflected on the life and work of Prof. Sam van Embden (1904–2000), and discussed the challenges and opportunities of urban development in one of Europe’s most advanced and complex planning regions.

Our dialogue unfolded around the newly adopted The Hague’s 2050 Spatial Planning Strategy titled “At Home in a Green Metropolis on the Sea”, New Town Zoetermeer, and New Delft, showcasing how integrated approaches continue to balance evolving community needs with housing, transit-oriented growth, innovation, and knowledge economies. In Rotterdam, we explored the CBD and inner-city transformations—places where economic dynamism, regeneration, and placemaking converge through multidisciplinary teamwork and bottom-up strategies. At Scheveningen, we observed how coastal planning and climate adaptation can shape resilient and attractive waterfronts while honoring the heritage of its fishing community.

The Next City Seminar provided the opportunity to reflect on six decades of ISOCARP. Joosje van Geest, biographer of ISOCARP’s founder Sam van Embden, reminded us of his vision of city planning as a tool for public value and a pillar of the post-war welfare state—built on ideals of serving communities, shaping livable cities, and inspiring new generations of planners. Peter Jonquière and Rudger Smook shared personal reflections on their experiences working with Sam van Embden and the guidance and inspiration he provided in their studies and careers.

Richard Koek guided us through The Hague’s dynamic urban landscape, while Willem Hermans, Judit Bax, and Jeroen Bleijs shared insights on van Embden’s ground breaking influence in the planning histories of Zoetermeer, Delft, and Rotterdam. Judit Gaasbeek Janzen and Rolf Hottentrager, now leading OD205 (the office founded by Sam van Embden), led an engaging discussion on the evolving roles of urban planners in the past decades and the importance of agility in today’s urban planning practice.

These conversations serve as stepping stones toward the 61st ISOCARP World Planning Congress in Riyadh, hosted by the Riyadh Region Municipality. ISOCARP invites all planners, city leaders, and civil servants from around the world to Riyadh to share knowledge, inspire action, and shape the sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities of tomorrow.

A heartfelt thank-you to all hosts and participants for the many inspiring and meaningful exchanges. It was a privilege to meet and engage with such passionate colleagues through and during presentations, dialogues, and extensive city walks.

Acknowledgements for ISOCARP president Elisabeth Belpaire, secretary general Frank D’hondt and 2025 co-rapporteur of the 61st ISOCARP World Planning Congress Nadine Bitar Chahine, for their support and participation in the Next City Seminar 2025. A big thank you to Saman Seyff and Julia Barashkov for the preparations and hosting us for lunch at the Faculty of Architecture of TU Delft.

Below you will find links to some of the projects we visited or mentioned and links to a shared folder containing photos and documents. You are most welcome to share additional links and photos.

Martin Dubbeling 
ISOCARP Member since 2005 | 17th President 2018–2021