2026 American Planning Association/ Canadian Institute of Planners- World Town Planning Day

WTPD 2026 Theme: Navigating Change to Shape Better Futures!

At a time of rapid technological transformation, inequities and housing, health, and climate change challenges, planning and collaboration is vital. By working together and across sectors, planners, communities, and partners address change to create places that are inclusive, resilient, and support the well-being of all while helping to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda (NUA). More details here.

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WTPD 2026 Presentation Objectives
Selected presentations and sessions should address one or more of the following objectives and align with at least one track focus area: 

• Deliver tangible social, environmental, and economic outcomes.   
• Support community knowledge and experience.   
• Demonstrate inclusive dialogue across perspectives.   
• Translate vision into action that reduces inequalities and supports climate-resilient communities.  
• Showcase planning's role in implementing the SDGs and NUA 

5 Track Focus Areas

• Housing
• Climate and Environment
• Data and Digital Planning
• Health and Wellbeing
• Recovery and Resilience 

 
Planning works best when it is shaped with communities. By bringing together Indigenous knowledge systems, local knowledge, lived experience, professional expertise, and shared ambition, planning creates places that are more inclusive, resilient, healthy, and sustainable. For additional information on the 2026 theme, objectives, and detailed track topics, please review the WTPD 2026 Concept Note.

For description on Criteria for CM Mandatory Credits, click here.