Planning with Purpose on a global stage

Jan Bessell is the President of the Royal Town Planning Institute

One of the greatest strengths of the RTPI is that our members are not only shaping places across the UK and Ireland as members and partners they are also helping to learn from and influence conversations about and outcomes delivered through planning around the world.

From 7 to 11 July 2026, I had the privilege of representing the RTPI at the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) National Conference in Montreal as well as Chairing and participating in the Global Planners Network (GPN) meeting alongside planning leaders from across the globe. The conference, hosted by CIP and l’Ordre des urbanistes du Québec, brought together more than 1,000 planners to share ideas, research and practical experience on the issues shaping our communities, economies and environment today and tomorrow.

For me, these international engagements are not simply about representing the Institute internationally. They are about bringing value back to our members: learning from others, sharing the expertise of RTPI members, and strengthening the profession’s collective voice at a time when the challenges facing our places are increasingly global and common in nature.

Whether we are discussing housing affordability, climate resilience, infrastructure delivery, biodiversity recovery, community health, economic transformation or the impact of new technologies, planners across the world are grappling with remarkably similar questions. The contexts may differ, but the challenges, level of change and often the opportunities are shared.

A highlight of the conference was hearing the inspirational opening keynote speech from Isabelle Picard as well as participating in the International Presidents' Panel, where planning leaders from several countries explored how the profession can respond to a period of global disruption and rapid change. The discussion reinforced something I have seen throughout my presidential year: planning has never been more relevant. In a world facing uncertainty, planners help societies think long-term, balance competing interests and shape better outcomes and futures. Shout out to Urbanistas – Moderator: Michelle Delisle-Boutin OdUdQ, Panellists: Lesley Cabott CIP, Andrea Harris NZPI, Lauren Driscoll APA,  Erin Perdu AICP, and Emma Riley PIA.

The Global Planners Network meeting provided another valuable opportunity to exchange ideas and strengthen relationships with professional planning bodies from around the world. The GPN brings together planning institutes from multiple continents to share good practice, promote professional collaboration and champion the value of planning internationally. Recent discussions have focused on topics ranging from climate action and health to World Town Planning Day and international advocacy.

What struck me most throughout the week was the recognition of planning as a profession built on optimism. Across different countries and cultures, planners continue to believe that places can be improved, communities can thrive, and long-term thinking and resilience matters. That shared sense of purpose creates a powerful foundation for collaboration and communication.

We took the opportunity to host a breakfast get together for our RTPI members living and working in Canada and this enabled value to those international members and the start of a conversation how we network our members in our international planning communities. 

There was also considerable interest in the work being undertaken by RTPI members. Time and again, colleagues from other nations spoke positively about the profession's leadership on issues such as climate action, professional ethics, infrastructure planning, place stewardship and public engagement. As President, I was proud to share examples of the innovative, thoughtful and impactful work our members deliver every day.

These international relationships matter because they help us learn faster, think more broadly and strengthen the profession's effectiveness, relevance and influence. They remind us that while planning is rooted in place, it also benefits from global perspectives and any opportunity to reflect.

My Presidential theme this year is Planning with Purpose – Planning Across the Divide. Experiences such as the CIP Conference and GPN meeting bring that theme to life. They demonstrate that shaping our future together extends beyond our own borders. By working alongside planners internationally, we can address shared challenges, learn from different approaches and strengthen the profession's contribution to society.

Most importantly, they reinforce the value of RTPI membership. Through the Institute, our members are connected to a global community of professionals who are collectively advancing the quality of planning practice and advocating for better places and outcomes for communities.

As I return from Montreal, I do so with renewed optimism, fresh ideas and a strong sense that the planning profession has a vital role to play in helping communities navigate uncertainty and realise opportunity. And I am proud that RTPI members continue to be at the forefront of that effort and delivery.

Planning may begin locally, but its impact and our responsibility is increasingly global. Together, we are helping to shape a better future.

The RTPI team who contributed and made such a positive impact through discussion and engagement: #MarkHand, #BeatriceCrabb, #BartShirm (young planner of the year).