The Mayor of Riyadh honors the organizers of the World Urban Planning Council
His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh, honored the organizing team for the International Council on Town Planning (ISOCARP) conference in 2025. This recognition, presented on Thursday, acknowledged the significant efforts and tireless work of the team members, which directly contributed to the successful hosting of this prominent global event by the Saudi capital and the achievement of all its strategic objectives.
General context and strategic importance of hosting the conference
The Riyadh Municipality's hosting of the World Urban Planning Council in December 2025 comes amidst unprecedented urban and developmental activity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in general, and in the capital, Riyadh, in particular. This step is perfectly aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Riyadh into one of the world's best cities to live in and elevate its ranking among the top ten city economies globally. The International Association of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP) is one of the world's most prestigious platforms, bringing together leading experts and decision-makers in urban planning. The convening of this council in Riyadh serves as international recognition of the tangible progress in infrastructure and major urban projects undertaken by the capital.
Exceptional achievements and international and local impact
The 61st edition of the conference achieved a number of significant gains that enhance Riyadh's standing on the global stage. Among the most prominent of these achievements was the appointment of Riyadh as an official member of the International Council on Urban Planning (ISOCARP), granting the capital an influential voice in shaping urban planning policies internationally. Furthermore, the conference recorded the highest levels of attendance and participation compared to all previous editions of the council, reflecting the global interest in learning from Saudi Arabia's pioneering experience in urban development.
On the local level, the event witnessed the signing of several strategic agreements under the auspices of the Riyadh Region Municipality, aimed at transferring knowledge and localizing global best practices. The conference also distinguished itself by presenting a greater number of high-quality abstracts and research papers than in previous sessions, in addition to activating downtown Riyadh as a vibrant hub for the conference's activities and programs, thus contributing to highlighting the city's cultural and architectural identity.
Urban planning pathways and empowering national competencies
With a focus on sustainable urban planning pathways, Saudi planners had a strong and influential presence in all types of sessions and workshops. This presence included administrative leaders, specialized experts, and ambitious young people, underscoring the success of the Kingdom's plans to build national capabilities capable of leading the future of urban development and actively participating in international forums.
In conclusion, the outcomes of this global conference reflect the Riyadh Municipality's serious commitment to strengthening effective international partnerships and supporting innovative urban planning approaches. They also underscore the Municipality's dedication to empowering young Saudi talent, contributing to the city's development and improving quality of life indicators, in line with its ambitious vision to be a leading municipality that drives a prosperous and sustainable city, enhancing the quality of life for both its residents and visitors.
