Riyadh hosts ISOCARP 61 conference to shape the future of cities
The 61st International Conference of Urban and Regional Planners (ISOCARP) commenced in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh. This global event, which draws a wide international audience of experts, engineers, and decision-makers, aims to develop a comprehensive roadmap for urban planning that enhances the resilience of cities and improves the quality of life within them. The conference will take place from December 1st to 4th, 2025.
Riyadh: From a walled town to a global metropolis
In his opening remarks, His Royal Highness the Mayor of Riyadh highlighted the radical transformations the capital has undergone, describing it as a globally influential model in the urban landscape. He reviewed the city's tremendous demographic leap, from a small town with a population of no more than 50,000 in the mid-20th century to a sprawling metropolis today, home to over 8 million people. This rapid growth reflects not only urban expansion but also Riyadh's economic and social appeal as a regional center of gravity.
Prince Faisal bin Ayyaf invited the participating delegations to explore the historical depth of Riyadh and its authentic Najdi architectural heritage, in parallel with learning about the major projects that are currently being implemented, which represent the practical application of the ambitious goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
The importance of the event in the context of global challenges
This conference is of exceptional importance given the current global circumstances, as cities face unprecedented challenges. In this context, Wafaa Al-Daili, a member of the ISOCARP Board of Directors and the conference director, emphasized that the timing of this session, coinciding with the association's diamond jubilee and six decades since its founding, reflects the alignment of Riyadh's ambitions with the aspirations of the international community. She noted that the world is experiencing an era where the challenges of climate change intersect with humanitarian crises, compelling planners to adopt flexible and sustainable strategies.
Al-Daily also stressed the pivotal role of women and youth in leading urban transformation, emphasizing that balanced neighborhood planning is the cornerstone for building resilient communities.
Conference themes: Between resilience and artificial intelligence
The conference will discuss a range of pressing issues that shape the future of human life, most notably:
- Climate resilience: Dr. Nadine Al-Bitar, the council’s general rapporteur, described urban resilience as an inevitable path and not a luxury option, especially in light of severe climate fluctuations.
- Digital transformation and artificial intelligence: Experts are exploring big data and modern technology-based planning mechanisms to anticipate sustainable growth paths.
- Humanizing cities: Focusing on making people the center of planning, and turning engineering plans into a reality that serves human well-being.
Global partnerships and a vision for the future
Dr. Ulrich Grout, the council's general rapporteur, explained that the scientific committee ensured the presentation of content reflecting geographical and professional diversity, based on a thorough review of hundreds of research papers. The agenda includes panel discussions with ministers and mayors, specialized workshops, and field visits in Riyadh to showcase public transportation projects (the Riyadh Metro), the development of public spaces, and modern housing projects to the delegations.
The Riyadh Region Municipality’s hosting of this event comes as part of its strategy to enhance the Kingdom’s position as an international platform for dialogue on the future of cities, and in line with its tireless pursuit of building a vibrant society and a thriving economy in accordance with Vision 2030.
