The award celebrates organisations demonstrating exceptional leadership and impact in the planning profession. It was last awarded a decade ago to UN-Habitat and has been reinstated this year as part of ISOCARP’s 60th anniversary.

Accepting the award on behalf of RTPI’s 27,000 members and staff, RTPI President Helen Fadipe said the recognition aligns closely with the Institute’s mission to empower planners and promote planning as a positive force for sustainable development worldwide.

Helen Fadipe, RTPI President in 2025, said: “As an Institute that serves a diverse and international membership, the RTPI is working hard to establish planning as a positive force for global sustainable development. We are not doing this alone – nor can we. We deeply value our collaboration with ISOCARP and all our other international partnerships.

“On behalf of the Royal Town Planning Institute, our Board of Trustees, our wonderful 27,000 members and our amazing team of staff, thank you for this recognition.”

Dr. Tijana Tufek-Memisevic, ISOCARP Board Member and Awards and Publication Director: "The International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP) is proud to recognise the Royal Town Planning Institute’s outstanding contribution to the planning profession with the Sam van Embden Award for Organisational Excellence.

"Reintroduced in 2025 to mark ISOCARP’s 60th anniversary, this award honours institutions that demonstrate sustained leadership, integrity, and service to the public good. It recognises the long-standing work RTPI has undertaken to strengthen the planning profession and keep the public interest at the centre of practice. Through its role in education, accreditation, policy engagement, and professional guidance, RTPI has helped translate planning principles into everyday decision-making."

The award was formally presented at the 61st ISOCARP World Planning Congress in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.