Activities

The annual congress

IFHP fulfils its international network function through of a wide range of activities, the most prominent of which is the annual congress. It also provides opportunities for its members to communicate with other professionals in other countries on a bilateral level. It has a number of publications to its name.

The annual congresses are the central activity of IFHP. They are attended by up to a thousand professionals from all over the world and offer participants ample opportunity to have contacts with high-ranking officials of national governments, housing executives, university professors, developers etc. An IFHP congress is an event at which outstanding achievements, new insights and the results of innovative actions are brought together and presented to a broad audience.
The theme of the congress reflects a topical housing and planning issue and is related to the location of the congress - in most cases a metropolitan or medium-sized city in one of the countries in which IFHP has members. Experts of international standing are invited to talk on the theme. Their lectures form the main programme of the congress.
A congress usually lasts for five days and in addition to plenary lectures includes workshops, study visits, a social programme reflecting national or regional customs and an accompanying persons' programme. Pre- and post-congress tours form an additional element.

The annual spring conference

In addition to the annual congress, IFHP also organises an annual conference, usually in the spring. This event is smaller than a world congress, with some 200-300 participants, and is often more focused on a particular continent and theme. The aims and intentions are, however, exactly the same as the congress.

Other events

In addition to the annual congress and conferences, IFHP also organises workshops and seminars. These events are on a smaller scale and may be aimed at an international or a national audience. They may take the form of an international debate or be focused on solving more specific local problems.
In all cases it is IFHP's task to provide the appropriate international expertise.
Within this category of events there is also the IFHP Summer School, organised annually at a university in a country where IFHP has members. 50 to 60 young people from all levels and all relevant disciplines in housing and planning take part in the Summer School, free of charge (travel and stay to be borne by the participants). Participants receive a diploma.

Working Parties

The Working Parties are smaller groups within the IFHP network, composed of members who wish to study a specific subject for a limited period of time with a specifically chosen aim. In principle this work is voluntary. The IFHP Secretariat provides organisational and logistical support as far as is possible.

Last Updated @ Wednesday, 05 March 2008