World Urbanism Day(WUD), also known as World Town Planning Day (WTPD), is annually observed across the globe on 8th November to recognise and promote the role of thorough planning in creating livable communities.
- The day is promoted by the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP).
Theme:
The theme for World Town Planning Day 2023 is “Learn Globally, Apply Locally”
- The theme aims to underscore the importance of exchanging knowledge and best practices across borders to tackle common urban challenges.
Background:
i.The day was initially proposed by Late Professor Carlos Maria della Paolera of the University of Buenos Aires (Argentina) in 1949.
ii.The day was proposed with an aim to advance public and professional interest in planning.
iii.The Institute of Town Planner, India , established in 1951 organizes the World Town Planning Day in India.
Significance:
i.WTPD recognizes the ideals of community planning by bring professional planners and the general public together.
ii.The day presents an opportunity to look at planning from a global perspective with respect to the environmental impact resulting from the development of cities and territories.
59th ISOCARP World Planning Congress:
i.The annual ISOCARP World Planning Congress is the main activity of ISOCARP which focuses on a planning theme of foremost international interest.
ii.Urban Economy Forum (UEF) and ISOCARP will jointly organise the 5th Urban Economy Forum (UEF5) and 59th ISOCARP World Planning Congress (WPC59) from 10th November to 13th November 2023
iii.The conference will be held in Toronto, Canada.
- The Congress takes place in a different city every year since 1965.
iv.The theme of the congress is “For Climate Action, Urban Finance. Climate Responsive Planning for Equitable Places & Communities”.
What is Urbanism?
i.Urbanism is the study of how people interact with the built environment in urban areas, such as towns and cities.
ii.Urban planning is the practice focusing on the physical design and management of urban structures and urban sociology.
iii.Principles of Urbanism includes Walkability, Connectivity, Mixed Use and Diversity, Mixed Housing, Quality Architecture and Urban Design, Traditional Neighborhood Structure, Increased density, Green Transportation, Sustainability and Quality of life.
iv.Urban planning affects our transportation system, infrastructure, layout, and prescribed densities of our residential, commercial, and industrial areas and more.
About International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP):
President– Pietro Elisei
Headquarters– The Hague, The Netherlands
Founded in – 1965
