The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and the South African Council for Planners (SACPLAN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in advancing the planning profession.
The partnership was signed at the Twelfth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12), a global conference convened by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme. The collaboration is designed to support planning professionals in sharing best practices and promoting the critical role of planners in achieving healthy, socially inclusive, economically and environmentally sustainable places.
This MoU signals a commitment to several key initiatives that highlight the value of the planning profession. These include:
- Inspiring future planners: Joint efforts to promote planning as a career, especially targeting young people and under-represented groups, to encourage a more diverse and inclusive profession.
- Joint research and knowledge sharing: Collaborating on research projects and dissemination of insights to address common challenges and inspire innovation in planning practices.
- Professional development and networking: Organising knowledge exchange activities, including Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs and networking events, to benefit members of both organisations.
- Clear pathways to professional membership: Sharing guidance on routes to professional membership and CPD frameworks to strengthen standards across the profession.
Prof. Mfaniseni Fana Sihlongonyane and Lindsey Richards with the signed MOU
Lindsey Richards, President of the RTPI, said: “This partnership underscores our commitment to championing the planning profession globally and working collaboratively with our international peers.
“By sharing expertise and promoting a common set of values, it is our hope that we can raise the profile of the planning profession and advocate for its pivotal role in delivering, equitable and sustainable development in our cities and communities around the world.”
Prof. Mfaniseni Fana Sihlongonyane, Chairperson of SACPLAN, said: “This collaboration marks a significant step towards leverage sustainable development through international cooperation. … It provides an opportunity to tackle common challenges that affect planning profession around the world and creates a space for collaboration that is a potent force driving meaningful change.”
