WUP Symposium 2025

Welcome to the World Urban Parks Symposium 2025

We are pleased to open the Call for Session Proposals for the third edition of the WUP Symposium, taking place within the Landscape Istanbul Fair 2025. This call invites professionals, researchers, and organizations from around the world to share innovative projects, inspiring case studies, and forward-thinking strategies that align with the Symposium’s central theme:

NEXT: The Next Generation of Cities and Public Spaces.

Submissions that best reflect the Symposium’s core thematic pillars—Nature & Climate Resilience, Equity & Inclusive Cities, Experience & Innovation in Public Spaces, and Thoughtful Water & Resource Management—will be prioritized for inclusion in the final program.

We will use the acronym NEXT to represent four key thematic axes essential to urban development:

N – Nature & Climate Resilience

Reconnecting Cities with Nature

• Urban forests, green corridors, and nature-based solutions for climate adaptation.
• Resilient parks and landscapes that mitigate extreme weather impacts (heat waves, flooding).
• Biodiversity in cities: designing spaces that support local ecosystems and wildlife.
• Carbon-neutral cities: integrating green infrastructure for a sustainable future.

E – Equity & Inclusive Cities

Public Spaces for Everyone

• Designing cities that prioritize accessibility, gender-sensitive planning, and universal design.
• Community-led park management: how local engagement creates better public spaces.
• Public spaces as hubs for social connection, cultural expression, and mental well-being.
• Inclusive playgrounds and free play.
• Open space quality versus quantity

X – Experience & Innovation in Public Spaces

The Future of Urban Life & Interaction

• The evolution of public spaces: how mobility shifts, digital connectivity, and changing lifestyles are reshaping cities.
• Rethinking playgrounds and urban furniture and equipment.
• Placemaking & tactical urbanism: activating streets, squares, and forgotten spaces.
• Nighttime urbanism: designing safe, vibrant spaces after dark.

T – Thoughtful Water & Resource Management

Sustainable Water & Climate Strategies for Cities

• Sponge cities and water-sensitive urban design to combat floods and droughts.
• Rethinking waterfronts: parks, blue spaces, and nature-based coastal resilience.
• Circular water systems: sustainable stormwater management and water conservation.

Grounded in the Symposium's thematic axes, these topics will guide our discussions and presentations, fostering a comprehensive exploration of how to build healthier, more inclusive, and resilient cities.

Key Dates

• Call for Session Proposals: May 20 – July 20
• Evaluation Period: July 20 – August 10
• Announcement of Accepted Speakers: August 10

Specifications for the Educational Session Proposals:

1. If your proposal is accepted, you will be required to share your presentation materials (e.g., slides or visual support content) by the specified deadline. These materials will be made publicly available on the World Urban Parks website following the symposium.
2. World Urban Parks reserves the right to determine the speaking time allocated to each selected session.
3. We encourage you to share and promote this Call for Session Proposals within your networks.
4. The Evaluation Committee holds the right to make final selections, as well as to edit session titles, descriptions, and presenter biographies for clarity and consistency.
5. By submitting a proposal, you agree to attend and present in person at the symposium, should your proposal be selected.
6. All accepted presenters will receive detailed information regarding session logistics and event participation in advance of the symposium.
7. By being selected as part of the Call for Sessions Proposal , you accept that all expenses related to your participation, including accommodation, flights, and other related experenses, will be covered personally and not by the event organizing committee.
8. While we aim to accommodate your preferences, please note that audience size for each session cannot be guaranteed due to the nature of the event.