Student Twinning Program

In partnership with King Saud University and with the generous financial support of the Riyadh Region Municipality, ISOCARP is pleased to announce the launch of its first-ever Student Twinning Program, a milestone initiative in the organization's history. 

The Student Twinning Program of the 61st ISOCARP World Planning Congress (WPC61) invites undergraduate students (2nd or 3rd year and above) and master's students in planning and related fields, including architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design, to apply for a unique international learning experience held alongside the Congress in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from 1–4 December 2025. The Student Twinning Program covers congress fees, travels and accommodations.

As part of ISOCARP's strong commitment to cultivating the next generation of planners, this program is a core component of the Congress youth track. It reflects the Society's dedication to bringing students and young planners into the heart of the planning profession, helping them build the skills, perspectives, and global connections needed to shape the cities of the future.


The Twinning Program promotes cross-cultural learning, collaboration, and shared exploration of urban futures. Students from Saudi Arabia will be paired with international peers to learn from one another, engage in guided activities, and co-create reflections on the challenges and opportunities shaping tomorrow's urban environments.

About ISOCARP
The International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP) is a global association of professional planners, researchers, and policy experts committed to shaping better cities and regions. Founded in 1965, ISOCARP promotes knowledge exchange across more than 80 countries, linking planning theory and practice and supporting new generations of planners.


About the 61st ISOCARP World Planning Congress (WPC)
WPC61, themed "Cities and Regions in Action: Planning Pathways to Resilience and Quality of Life," will bring together global planning leaders to discuss resilience, quality of life, climate adaptation, digital innovation, and the transformative urban agenda of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. Learn more about the 61st WPC here: https://riyadh2025.isocarp.org.

The Student Twinning Program is a core component of the Congress youth track and reflects ISOCARP's commitment to nurturing the next generation of planners. It is designed to actively engage students and young professionals in the planning field, strengthen their practical and global competencies, and prepare them to lead in an increasingly complex urban future.

 

About the Student Twinning Program

Voices from Tomorrow:
The Next Generation Imagining Cities Beyond Borders in the Age of Poli-crises and AI 

Focus: Scenario-building for future cities - technology, climate, society, mobility; climate adaptation; resilient infrastructure; sustainable mobility; green-blue networks; the role of digital tools; smart cities; participatory technology in planning. 

Activities: Design charrette, scenario planning, short talks on resilience, team-based speculative "city futures" storytelling, role-playing, hands-on session with urban data visualization tools 

Objectives: 

  • Inspire planning students to connect academic knowledge with real-world urban issues in Riyadh. 
  • Encourage creative, interdisciplinary, and data-driven thinking in planning. 
  • Strengthen students' awareness of sustainability, inclusivity, and heritage values. 
  • Build links between KSU and international students. 
  • Showcase student talent through interactive activities. 

Why it works: It connects to SDGs and gives students a chance to think about future-proofing their cities; it aligns with SDG 11 and Saudi social transformation efforts emphasizing inclusivity and wellbeing. 

Possible side activities: 

  • Photo Contest: "My City, My Vision" – students capture everyday urban moments in Riyadh. 
  • Urban Sketching Marathon: Open-air drawing session in a chosen district. 
  • Poster Exhibition: "Cities for People" – student interpretations of SDG 11 in the city, in the form of Infographics. 
  • Mini TEDx-style Talks: "2030 City of Riyadh" – 5-minute student visions for Riyadh. 

Outcome: Infographics, urban sketches, photo survey poster, short video.

The Student Twinning Program is built around three phases:

  1. Pre-Congress virtual collaboration (late November)
  2. Joint participation in the Congress in Riyadh (1–4 December 2025)
  3. Post-Congress joint reflection or creative submission

 

Students work in paired teams, one Saudi student, one international student, to explore planning themes such as:

  • Resilience and quality of life
  • Urban innovation and digital transformation
  • Climate adaptation and sustainable design
  • Local heritage and identity
  • Urban-rural systems

Participants gain practical experience, intercultural communication skills, and exposure to global planning practice, with selected outputs published through ISOCARP platforms.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be:

  • Currently enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate program in urban planning, architecture, geography, environmental studies, or a related field
  • Able to demonstrate interest in global urban issues and at least one theme of WPC61
  • Motivated to participate in cross-cultural learning and collaborative work
  • Proficient in English (working level B1 or above)
  • Available for all phases of the program (virtual and in-person)

Interested students are encouraged to apply via this form.

Selection Criteria

Participants will be selected based on:

  • Motivation and clarity of purpose
  • Relevance to Congress themes
  • Commitment to full participation
  • Diversity (geographic, institutional, and gender balance)
  • Quality of submitted materials

Minority students are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Program Benefits

  • Structured cross-cultural learning with an international peer
  • Access to WPC61 thematic sessions, technical tours, and youth activities
  • Visibility through ISOCARP platforms and post-Congress recognition 
  • Certificate of Participation from ISOCARP and KSU
  • Eligibility for future youth programs (e.g., YPP Workshops)

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit one PDF file that includes:

  1. Completed application form
  2. Motivation statement (max 400 words)
  3. Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages)
  4. Proof of enrollment (full-time students only)
  5. Short statement of thematic interest (150–200 words)

Availability and Commitment
 Willingness to fully participate in all three phases of the program:

  • Attend orientation and complete a pre-congress task
  • Be present and active during the on-site Congress program (1–4 December 2025)
  • Co-produce and submit a post-Congress reflection or creative output

Applicants who meet the criteria will be selected through a short application process, including a motivation statement and a profile form to support matching.

Timeline

  • Call for Applications: 11 November 2025
  • Selection + Matching: 17 November 2025
  • Decisions sent: 21 November 2025
  • Orientation, Digital Kickoff & Pre-Congress Task Due: 24-28 November 2025
  • Congress Dates (Riyadh): 1–4 December 2025
  • Post-Congress Output Deadline: 20 December 2025

Why Apply

The Twinning Program gives students the chance to learn beyond their own context, build global networks, and join the international planning community at a pivotal moment for cities around the world. It encourages young planners to bring their ideas, questions, and energy into real planning dialogues, shaping the future alongside global experts. The Student Twinning Program covers congress fees, travels and accommodations. For any inquiries related to the Student Twinning Program, please contact us at congress@isocarp.org.

Application Form for Student Twinning Program→


1101 hits