The 6th World Planning Schools Congress (WPSC 2026) has successfully concluded, bringing together the global planning community in Helsinki and Espoo, Finland, from 29 June to 3 July 2026, following the PhD Workshop held in Tampere. Hosted by Aalto University, the University of Helsinki, and Tampere University, this year's Congress was organised around the theme "Peripheral Visions – Rethinking Planning."
Over five inspiring days, nearly 1,600 participants from around the world gathered to exchange ideas, present research, and reflect on the future of planning. The programme featured more than 1,200 scientific presentations, 15 thematic tracks, roundtables, special sessions, and seven plenary discussions, creating a vibrant platform for dialogue on topics ranging from climate change and social justice to digital transformation and emerging planning challenges.
AESOP Young Academic Network was delighted to contribute to this year's Congress through a series of sessions, discussions, and networking events that brought together early career scholars from across the world. We would like to thank everyone who joined our General Assembly, attended our sessions, participated in our social events, and contributed to the many conversations throughout the week. Your enthusiasm, ideas, and commitment continue to strengthen our international community of young planning academics.
We also extend our sincere congratulations and thanks to the organising committees, keynote speakers, track chairs, session organisers, student volunteers, and all participants whose dedication made WPSC 2026 such a memorable and successful event. The Congress once again demonstrated the value of international collaboration, democratic exchange, and collective learning in advancing planning education and research.
Photo Gallery: https://wpsc.org/index.php/photo-gallery/
The official gallery captures many of the memorable moments from the Congress, offering a glimpse into the presentations, discussions, social events, and collaborations that made WPSC 2026 an inspiring gathering for the global planning community.
We look forward to continuing the conversations, collaborations, and friendships that began in Helsinki and Espoo, and to seeing many of you again at future AESOP Young Academic Network and AESOP events.
