Mentorship Knowledge Series
Co-authored Publications and Articles by Mentors and Mentees. Spark collaboration through structured knowledge outputs accessible to the global urban planning community.
Overview
As part of the International Mentoring Program for Urban Planners, Cities Forum is launching the Mentorship Knowledge Series, an initiative to spark collaboration within this community through structured publications and articles of shared interest that represent publicly accessible knowledge outputs.
The initiative will support mentors and mentees in co-authoring articles and collaborative publications addressing key challenges, innovations, and lessons from practice in urban planning and sustainable urban development.
These outputs aim to contribute to global discussions on cities while strengthening the professional visibility of both mentors and mentees. All selected contributions will be disseminated through Cities Forum knowledge platforms, including the website, LinkedIn, Substack, and Medium.
Two Ways to Contribute
Two formats are proposed to encourage flexible participation.
Format 1 — Collaborative Publications
Extended thematic publications developed by a small group of contributors exploring a specific topic in greater depth.
The lead author coordinates the publication process, including structure development, contributions from co-authors, and submission to Cities Forum. The lead author will receive a remuneration of €200.
Format 2 — Insight Articles
Short practitioner-oriented articles highlighting insights, experiences, or perspectives on specific urban challenges.
Collaboration Opportunities
Connect & Explore
Mentors and mentees are encouraged to connect through the mentoring platform to explore shared interests and find collaboration opportunities.
Team Up & Publish
Team up on a topic of mutual interest to co-write a publication or article. Mentors may also collaborate with their organizations to produce joint publications with Cities Forum.
Amplify Your Impact
Increase the visibility of your work while contributing to the broader knowledge ecosystem. Founders, consultants, and practitioners all benefit from shared expertise.
Topics to Explore
Below are five broad thematic areas with suggested topics to inspire your contribution. These are just starting points — you are free to propose your own topic within or beyond these areas. We encourage creativity and flexibility!
Climate & Resilient Cities
- Climate adaptation strategies for fast-growing cities
- Integrating nature-based solutions in urban planning
- Designing cities for extreme heat
- Coastal cities and resilience planning
- Planning for climate migration
Urban Mobility & Accessibility
- The future of public transport in emerging cities
- Lessons from implementing transit-oriented development
- Designing cities for walking and cycling
- Mobility innovation in mid-size cities
- Inclusive mobility for women, elderly, and children
Digital Urbanism & Data
- How AI may change urban planning practice
- Digital twins and data-driven cities
- Using GIS for participatory urban planning
- Smart cities beyond technology hype
- Ethical challenges of data-driven planning
Inclusive & Socially Just Cities
- Gender-sensitive urban planning
- Designing safe public spaces
- Informal settlements and upgrading strategies
- Participatory planning approaches that actually work
- Housing affordability and urban inequality
Future of Urban Planning Practice
- Skills the next generation of urban planners need
- Interdisciplinary collaboration in complex urban projects
- Translating global planning ideas into local realities
- Lessons from failed urban projects
- Career pathways in international urban development
Incentives for Contributors
Participants contributing to the Mentorship Knowledge Series will receive:
Author profile on Cities Forum platform
Promotion on Cities Forum LinkedIn
DOI / citation reference for the publication
Feature in the Cities Forum program report
€200 remuneration for the lead author coordinating extended publications
Opportunity to present the works in the closing conference held in Madrid 21 May, 2026
These incentives aim to recognize contributors while enhancing their professional visibility within the global urban planning community.
Ethical Guidelines
Authors are expected to respect academic and professional integrity when preparing contributions.
Properly cite references and sources
Avoid plagiarism and copyright infringement
Ensure permission for any third-party materials used
Cities Forum reserves the right to conduct editorial review and request revisions where necessary.
Ready to Contribute?
Join fellow mentors and mentees in co-authoring publications that shape the future of urban planning. Express your interest and start collaborating today.
Express your interest at mentoring@citiesforum.org