Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed heads of delegations,
Peace be upon you.
It is with immense pride that we, in Riyadh, host the 61st edition of the ISOCARP World Planning Congress this December 2025, under the theme: "Cities and Regions: Planning Pathways to Resilience and Quality of Life."
This prestigious event has been organized by the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP), and I extend a heartfelt welcome to all our distinguished guests - experts, professionals, and passionate urban planners from across the globe.
In a world where transformations are occurring at an unprecedented pace, cities have become the epicenter of radical change. They are no longer simply transformation stages; they are the driving force behind it.
Our urban institutions today embody resilience and preparedness, ready to confront the evolving challenges of climate change, economic disparities, and social inequities. Cities and regions are leading the charge in developing innovative solutions that benefit not only their local communities but also contribute to the global advancement of humanity.
Hosting this congress here in Riyadh represents a remarkable opportunity to showcase the dynamic transformation of our city. As the heart of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is undergoing an extraordinary phase of change, fully aligned with the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030. This vision aims to diversify our economy, elevate the quality of life for our citizens, and build a sustainable, thriving future for all.
In harmony with the Sustainable Development Goals, Vision 2030 empowers cities to be at the forefront of change. It strengthens the role of urban areas as vibrant hubs of innovation, culture, and well-being - not just as centers of economic activity.
The ISOCARP Congress serves as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and collaboration, helping shape how cities and regions respond to today's complex challenges.
It provides a unique opportunity to explore the future of urban development, to think creatively about urban governance, and to identify scalable solutions to the shared challenges that cities and regions face worldwide.
Participants will experience first-hand the dynamic transformation taking place in the region and in Riyadh – a city navigating a rapid transitional phase.
We invite you not to be mere observers, but active partners: to engage, ask, and contribute.
This coming December, Riyadh will be transformed into a living urban laboratory - open to all, where we will collectively explore better planning pathways for urban and regional development. Our goal is simple: to enhance the quality of life in an era defined by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity, while simultaneously building resilience.
Together, we will explore how to leverage cutting-edge technologies - particularly artificial intelligence and digital platforms - for the greater good of humanity.
We will also align global strategies to build cities that are more resilient, adaptive, and sustainable. Key topics for discussion will include sustainable urban growth, urban economies, culture and identity, inclusive urban transformation, and urban governance and management. All of this is in pursuit of a better, more equitable future for both current and future generations.
We deeply value the role played by ISOCARP's in their ongoing commitment to revitalizing knowledge exchange and fostering collaboration across cities worldwide. Its efforts to promote cooperation in addressing shared urban challenges are integral to shaping the future of cities and regions everywhere.
As we embark on this journey together here in Riyadh, let us seize this opportunity to strengthen cooperation, exchange ideas, and lay the groundwork for inclusive, sustainable urban environments.
I eagerly anticipate the technical discussions and innovative visions that will emerge from this gathering.
Welcome to Riyadh.
 | His Highness Mayor of Riyadh Region, Prince. Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf |