World Town Planning Day

  • Planning and Development
    World Town Planning Day - November 8

    World Town Planning Day – November 8 World Town Planning Day was initiated in 1949 by the late Professor Carlos Maria della Paolera of the
    University of Buenos Aires to advance public and professional interest in planning, both locally and abroad. It is a special day to give special
    recognition to the ideals of community planning which bring professional planners and the general public together. World Town Planning Day
    presents an opportunity to look at planning from a global perspective, an event which appeals to the conscience of citizens and public authorities
    in order to draw attention to the environmental impact resulting from the development of cities and territories.
    https://isocarp.org/news/world-town-planning-day/

  • PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
    GIS Awareness Week
    Geography Awareness Week is supported by access to materials and resources for teachers, parents,
    community activists, and all geographically minded global citizens. Geography Awareness Week is
    celebrated every third week of November.
    https://www.nationalgeographic.org/education/programs/geography-awareness-week

World Town Planning Day 2024

International Theme: “Homes Start with Planning”

Click here to view the World Town Planning Day 2024 Programme

 

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What is World Town Planning Day (WTPD)?

Observed annually on November 8, World Town Planning Day (WTPD) is observed globally in over thirty (30) nations across four (4) continents. It's a celebration of good planning practices and the role they play in making people's lives better and helping society by establishing areas where people can live, work, and play together. Therefore, it is a special day to recognize and promote the role of planners and planning in developing healthy, sustainable communities.

This year marks a significant milestone as the 75th anniversary of the World Town Planning Day and will be celebrated internationally under the Theme: “Homes Start with Planning”.

 

World Town Planning Day Genesis?

World Town Planning Day was established in 1949 by Professor Carlos Maria della Paolera of University of Buenos Aires and a graduate of the Institut d’urbanism in Paris. World Town Planning Day was created by Professor della Paolera to increase the awareness of the role of planning in developing cities by fostering global dialogue on the principles of responsible and forward-thinking urban development.

 

Jamaica and World Town Planning Day

Jamaica commenced celebrating this event in the 1970’s. Formerly, WTPD was primarily observed by professional planning entities such as The Jamaica Institute of Planners, The University of Technology and The Town Planning Department. However, since 2001, the commemoration of World Town Planning Day has been led by The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) in collaboration with other stakeholders.

The day is usually marked with educational events, conferences, workshops, and community activities, which allows for planners, students, local leaders, and citizens to exchange knowledge and innovative ideas to promote better urban and regional planning for a more sustainable and equitable future, under a local theme.

This year’s World Town Planning Day 2024, will be celebrated locally under the Theme: “Unpacking the Urban Planning Nexus with Tourism and Sustainable Development”

 

Local Theme: “Unpacking the Urban Planning Nexus with Tourism and Sustainable Development”

This year’s theme emphasizes the role of urban planning in developing a sustainable tourism sector that balances economic growth with environmental preservation. Most vital to this effort is equitable planning, which considers the needs of all stakeholders and aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Therefore, the focus is on creating sustainable tourism which will boost local economies while protecting cultural and natural resources, reducing carbon footprints, supporting communities, and preserving ecosystems. This can be achieved by integrating sustainable tourism into urban planning—through green infrastructure, responsible land use, and efficient transport—cities can provide meaningful experiences for tourists without straining local resources. As such, the theme serves as a reminder to build cities that are sustainable and resilient for future generations.

 

Activities for World Town Planning Day 2024

The National Environment and Planning Agency has earmarked a few activities for this years’ celebration.