The International Society of City and Regional Planners' annual World Planning Congresses bring together planners, urbanists, allied professionals in the built environment, and placemakers from around the world for inclusive dialogue and knowledge exchange.

The formal Call for Congress Contributions is now open for the 61st ISOCARP World Planning Congress in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia! The International Society of City and Regional Planners and the Riyadh Region Municipality, invites urbanists, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from around the world to contribute to the 61st ISOCARP World Planning Congress. This year's congress, Cities & Regions in Action: Planning Pathways to Resilience and Quality of Life, focuses on forward-looking planning solutions to address the complex challenges shaping urban and regional futures.

We welcome contributions that reflect practical experience, bold ideas, or original research across five thematic tracks. Explore the Congress theme, review the Congress Tracks, and Create an Account to respond to the Call for Contributions and be a part of this year's ISOCARP World Planning Congress, taking place from 1–4 December 2025 in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

All submissions will be peer-reviewed by the Congress Committee and considered for inclusion in oral presentations, panel discussions, or special sessions. Selected contributions may also be published in the Congress Proceedings and on other ISOCARP platforms.

Important Dates

Submission Category 

Submission Category 1: RESEARCH 

Theoretical, applied, quantitative and/or qualitative research. Your contribution can be in the form of one of the following Submission Types:

1. Report and Track Presentation
2. Paper and Track Presentation
3. Track Presentation only 

For the requirements for each submission type, please refer to the Contribution Guidelines document below.

Submission Category 2: PROJECT 

On planned, built or on-going projects at neighborhood, city, regional scale. Your contribution can be in the form of one of the following Submission Types:

1. Report and Track Presentation
2. Paper and Track Presentation
3. Track Presentation only 

For the requirements for each submission type, please refer to the Contribution Guidelines document below.

Submission Category 3: VISION, POLICY or/and STRATEGY 

For district, neighborhood, city, regional or national scale. Your contribution can be in the form of one of the following Submission Types:

1. Report and Track Presentation
2. Paper and Track Presentation
3. Track Presentation only 

For the requirements for each submission type, please refer to the Contribution Guidelines document below.

Submission Category 4: SPECIAL SESSION 

On emerging, disruptive or relevant to global agenda. Your can submit a Special Session Proposal for a roundtable, panel, workshop or any other interactive Special Session format. Requirements for Special Session Proposal submissions follow below. 

POSTERS

Submission of a POSTER together with your contribution (Paper, Report, Presentation) is optional but highly encouraged! Submitted posters will be added to the exhibition area, where authors will have the chance to discuss their work with participants in a dedicated interactive session as well as between sessions. Poster Template will be provided.

Abstract Submission Process

Review the Submission Guidelines and Submit your abstract:

Access Submission Guidelines here: Congress Contribution Guidelines 2025

1.  Create an Account    

Create an Account on the ISOCARP Congress Platform: Create an Account

2.  Follow Abstract Submission Guidelines   

Review and follow the guidelines for abstract submission outlined in the Congress Contribution Guidelines 2025. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in the rejection of your abstract.

3.  Submit Your Abstract     

Submit your abstract on the ISOCARP Congress Platform under "Abstract Submission" by the abstract submission deadline. See "Important Dates" for more information.

4.  Notification of Selection     

ISOCARP will notify abstract proposers of acceptance or rejection via email. Please refer to the notification timeline under "Important Dates."

5.  Congress Registration

All Presenters, including Co-Presenters, must complete Congress Registration before being able to proceed with Final Submissions.

6.  Follow Final Submission Guidelines

Review and follow the guidelines for Final Submission in the Submission Guidelines: Congress Contributions 2025. Not following these guidelines is grounds for removal of Contributions from the Congress Programme and all ISOCARP publications.

7.  Complete Your Final Submission

Submit your Final Submission(s) in the ISOCARP Congress Platform by the Final Submission Deadline. See Important Dates.

Submissions must respect the cultural and religious values of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including sensitivity to language, visuals, and content that align with local norms. Authors are expected to maintain high standards of academic integrity, demonstrate respect for diverse viewpoints, and avoid any political or religious commentary that could be considered inappropriate. All participants and contributors should also adhere to professional codes of conduct, fostering inclusivity, mutual respect, and constructive dialogue.

If you have any questions, please contact us via riyadhcongress@isocarp.org.