Bridging global and local agendas: Reflections on AESOP’s engagement in GPEAN and HABITAT-UNI (2019–2025)

Abstract

This reflective article examines AESOP’s engagement in the Global Planning Education Association Network (GPEAN) and its collaboration with UN-Habitat through the HABITAT-UNI initiative between 2019 and 2025. Written from the perspective of AESOP’s representative to GPEAN, the paper discusses how academic networks contribute to global sustainability agendas through knowledge exchange, planning education, policy engagement, and international collaboration. The article reviews AESOP’s role in strengthening interregional cooperation, supporting network governance, participating in World Urban Forum activities, and fostering dialogue between planning schools and international policy organisations. It concludes by identifying future priorities for planning education, including sustainability, equity, digital collaboration, capacity building, and stronger academic–policy linkages.