The virtual opening of the 61st World Urban Planning Congresswas launched today, organized by the Riyadh Municipality in cooperation with the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP). The event was attended by a distinguished group of experts and urban planners from various countries around the world, paving the way for the global conference of the society to be held in the capital next month.

Engineer Badr Al-Sharif, General Director of Operational Excellence in Urban Development at the Municipality, explained that this virtual opening serves as a preparatory step ahead of the upcoming global conference hosted by Riyadh. The event aims to unify international efforts and exchange visions about the future of cities, emphasizing that Riyadh has become a global hub for dialogue, learning, and cooperation in the field of sustainable urban planning.

Al-Sharif noted that the forthcoming conference will be held under the theme “Cities and Regions in Motion: Planning Pathways Toward Resilience and Quality of Life,” reflecting the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030 in building smart, resilient, and human-centered cities that embrace innovation, sustainability, and cultural diversity. He pointed out that Riyadh represents a living model of transformation into a global city capable of leading the future of urban planning.

He confirmed that Riyadh Municipality is leading a number ofpioneering initiatives in the fields of sustainability, quality of life enhancement, and community development, making it an active partner in global efforts to shape the cities of the future. He also stressed the importance of the role of local governments in achieving integration between national development goals and global trends.

The conference, which will be held from December 1 to 4 in Riyadh, coincides with the diamond jubilee of ISOCARP’s founding. It will discuss emerging research, modern planning practices, and transformative ideas that contribute to building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban future, with the participation of academics, urban planners, practitioners, and policymakers from around the world.

The event will cover five main themes: sustainable urban growth amid multiple crises, urban economy and artificial intelligence, climate adaptation for dynamic cities, culture and identity in urban transformation, and agile city governance. Hosting the World Urban Planning Congress in Riyadh comes as part of the Municipality’s efforts to enhance the capital’s position as a global center for urban planning and knowledge exchange, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and reflecting the Municipality’s commitment to achieving sustainable urban development and improving quality of life.