Community · meet-ups across cities

A global community that starts with mentoring and grows through connection.

The International Mentoring Program for Urban Planners is designed to be much more than a sequence of mentoring sessions. It is a space where emerging and experienced urban planning professionals can connect, exchange knowledge, build trust and become part of a growing international network from Barcelona to Berlin, Madrid, Mexico City, New York and Rotterdam.

Mentoring meet-up in Barcelona — Barcelona

Mentoring meet-up in Rotterdam — Rotterdam

Mentoring meet-up in New York — New York

Mentoring meet-up in Mexico City — Mexico City

A global network

A bridge between mentors and mentees

CITIES FORUM connects experienced professionals with emerging urban planners from different countries, disciplines and career stages — facilitating trusted relationships, open conversations and opportunities for professional growth.

For mentees

Access international expertise and guidance from professionals shaping the future of urban planning across continents.

For mentors

Contribute to the development of the next generation of urban planning leaders and grow your global network.

In today's urban planning ecosystem, growth rarely happens in isolation. The most valuable opportunities come through people, conversations, networks and communities.

The community journey

From mentoring to a long-term global network.

Five stages, one trajectory. From the first session to a network that lasts well beyond the programme.

01
Join the programme

Participants enter a curated international mentoring environment.
02
Connect with mentors and peers

Mentees build relationships with professionals who can guide, challenge and inspire them.
03
Learn through shared experiences

The community grows through webinars, debates, knowledge sessions and peer exchange.
04
Meet in real urban contexts

We organise meet-ups and in-person gatherings in different cities around the world.
05
Stay connected beyond the programme

The programme becomes the starting point for a long-term professional network.

Community initiatives

Four ways the community grows together.

Initiative 01

Mentoring relationships

One-to-one mentoring sessions are the foundation of the community. They create space for honest conversations, career reflection, strategic guidance and personal growth.

See the methodology

Initiative 02

Global meet-ups

We promote informal and structured meet-ups in different cities, allowing participants to connect face-to-face, exchange experiences and strengthen their international network.

Explore the meet-ups

Initiative 03

Mentorship Knowledge Series

Mentors and mentees collaborate on publications, reflections and knowledge pieces that capture insights from the community and share them with a broader audience.

Discover the series

Initiative 04

Webinars and community sessions

Our webinars, debates and collective learning sessions bring the community together around key questions shaping the future of urban planning and sustainable cities.

See the webinars

Why community matters

Growth happens through people, not in isolation.

Professional growth is no longer only about qualifications, technical knowledge or individual experience. It is about being visible, connected and able to participate in meaningful networks.

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New perspectives from professionals across different regions and urban contexts.
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Professional confidence shaped by peers facing similar career challenges.
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International visibility within a global ecosystem of urban planning practitioners.
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Real opportunities collaborations, projects, events and career pathways.

Community

The seed of an international community of urban professionals.

This program is more than mentoring. It's the beginning of a global community of architects, planners and designers who want to grow together and it grows, day by day.

Our mentors

100+ international mentors

A hand-picked pool of senior practitioners and academics across 29 countries.

Our mentees

A growing global cohort

Emerging and mid-career professionals already shaping the next chapter of urban practice.

Global presence

Where the community lives

Mentors and mentees connected across continents.

79

Mentors

57

Mentees

32

Countries

5

Continents

Madrid Berlin Barcelona Rotterdam London Paris Lisbon Mexico City New York Bogotá Buenos Aires São Paulo Cairo Nairobi Mumbai Singapore Tokyo Sydney

Mentees on their mentors

Voices from the community

"The session exceeded my expectations. Alexandru engaged directly with the core of what I needed, offering insights that were both constructive and grounding. His ability to navigate complexity/frustration while bringing clarity to my situation was particularly valuable. I'm grateful for the exchange. Very glad to be part of this programme."

Valentina González

Session from 17/04/2026

"Ana provided useful, practical tools for self-discovery and highlighted intrinsic wants that I was hesitant to say out loud. I feel more sure of myself in approaching the discovery phase of my journey."

Stephanie Bsaomaii

Session from 07/05/2026

"Cornelia was very helpful and came to the meeting well prepared, offering thoughtful and concrete ideas on how I could move forward. Her suggestions were practical and encouraging. She also followed up with an email summarizing the key points discussed, which was greatly appreciated."

Paola Tovar

Session from 27/02/2026

Grow the community

Suggest a mentor / mentee

We grow this community together

This program thrives on shared commitment and collective growth. You can help shape its future by suggesting experienced professionals to join as mentors, or by recommending talented practitioners who could benefit as mentees in the next edition. We will personally reach out, share all relevant information, and notify them when the enrollment process opens.

Official WhatsApp channel

Follow the International Mentoring Program for Urban Planners

Practical insights, useful resources, and curated ideas for the urban planning and sustainability community tips, reflections, and content from international practice. Join the channel to receive valuable content in a simple and direct way.