The Event

We introduce a collaborative big project: a first global IUPF + iPA (+ other partners) Emerging Communities Forum, with the aim to discuss current trends and challenges for cities and communities. However, this event will be different than the typical “scientific” or “professional b2b” meeting.

It will be inspired by the main motivations of IUPF, iPA and other international players as a bridge between emerging economies, their professionals and leaders, and the global political agenda.

IUPF and iPA join to offer “underrepresented” regions of the world the opportunity to ask questions, deliver statements but also propose bold solutions, inspired by their energy and way to solve their challenges.

But we also invite the other players, thinkers and decision makers to join: International agencies, researchers, politicians, investors.

Date: Wed 7 - Fri 9 October 2026
Venue: İstanbul Planlama Ajansı (İPA) Florya Kampüsü, Istanbul, Turkey

Methodology

We will create workgroups or topic groups, which will meet and present each day related case studies and invite for a moderated exchange. The sessions will be open, participative, active. All delegates shall be invited to provide input and be part of each discussion. At the end of the session, rapporteurs will prepare a report, one page summary with the most important takeaways of each discussion.

The main objective is to connect between disciplines, generations, regions, income groups, cultures, and any other representative groups, and generate a fruitful discussion. The suggested method of presentation of study cases is the storytelling, delivered in multiple fashions.

3 days and 3 tier Optimism-Challenge-Synthesis

We introduce an innovative, challenging and fun dynamic. We divide the forum in three days, starting with a first positive, optimistic day with a hopeful discussion. The second day will challenge each of the findings of the first day and leave many more questions than answers. The morning of the third day we elaborate final statements in each workgroup that take the best findings of day one and warn about the difficulties and challenges found on day two.