Our Story
About IUPO
Empowering the next generation of urban thinkers.
Our Mission
The International Urban Planning Olympiad (IUPO) exists to introduce high school students to the field of urban planning through rigorous, accessible, and engaging competition. We believe that the leaders who will shape tomorrow's cities should start thinking about urban challenges today.
Our Vision
We envision a world where young people are active participants in conversations about how cities are built, governed, and sustained. Urban planning spans policy, design, economics, environmental science, and social justice. By exposing students to all of these areas, we aim to cultivate informed, creative, and civic-minded future leaders.
Curious what that looks like in practice? See how it plays out across our five competition categories.
Why Urban Planning Matters Now
Over half the world's population lives in cities, and that number is growing. The decisions we make about transportation, housing, land use, and sustainability will define the quality of life for billions of people.
Yet urban planning remains one of the least understood fields among young people. Most students never encounter it until college, if at all. IUPO changes that by making urban planning accessible, competitive, and exciting.
From climate resilience to equitable housing, from transit infrastructure to zoning reform, the challenges are urgent and the opportunities are vast. IUPO prepares students to engage with these issues head-on.
Our Values
Accessibility
Free to enter, open to all high school students worldwide. No barriers to participation.
Rigor
Our competition is designed and judged by professionals who hold participants to a high standard.
Relevance
Every question and challenge is grounded in real urban planning issues and methodologies.
Equity
We are committed to ensuring that students from all backgrounds can compete on a level playing field.