2026 Nominations Now Open
Two elected seats — a Young Leader and a Park/City Agency Representative — are open ahead of the 2026 AGM. An invitation to help shape the strategic direction of our international community of practice.
Parks and public spaces are increasingly recognized as essential urban infrastructure — for climate resilience, public health, biodiversity, social cohesion, and the everyday quality of life in cities. The organizations, professionals, and city leaders shaping this field need networks that can convene, learn, and act at global scale. World Urban Parks exists to be that network.
Governance is where our network takes its strategic direction. It is where regional experiences meet global priorities, where technical expertise informs institutional decision-making, and where the diverse leadership of our sector shapes what comes
next for parks and public spaces worldwide.
Ahead of our 2026 Annual General Meeting (17–21 August, online), we are opening the call for Board nominations — an invitation to help lead the next chapter of a global community of practice working to advance better parks, better public spaces, and better cities.
Two elected seats for the 2026–2029 term
Young Leader
A seat reserved for emerging leaders under the age of 35 working in parks, public space, recreation, planning, or related fields. In a sector where generational transition is as important as institutional continuity, this seat ensures that the next generation of professionals is represented at the highest level of our governance — bringing new perspectives on how urban parks connect with climate, digital tools, community engagement, and the future of cities.
Park / City Agency Representative
A seat representing the leadership of public park agencies, park systems, and city departments responsible for the stewardship of urban parks and open spaces. This voice is essential to an organization whose purpose is to strengthen the practice, policy, and management of public parks systems worldwide — grounding our global conversations in the realities of running park systems on the ground.
Why board service at WUP matters
Board service at World Urban Parks is a professional commitment with tangible reach. It shapes the strategic direction of a network active across multiple regions and disciplines.
It brings members into direct exchange with leaders and organizations from every continent. It contributes to how our sector positions itself in international conversations on cities, climate, health, and equity — and it offers meaningful visibility and connection for those advancing the practice of urban parks in their own contexts.
For those who serve, it is an opportunity to give back to a field that has shaped their careers — and to help shape it in return, at global scale.
Who we are looking for
Candidates who bring a genuine commitment to the mission of parks and public spaces as essential urban infrastructure; professional experience in the field or in leadership roles connected to it; the willingness to contribute time, judgment, and perspective to shared institutional decisions; and a collaborative disposition that reflects the global,
multi-regional character of our community.
A note on equity and representation
World Urban Parks is committed to building a Board that reflects the breadth and diversity of the communities and cities we serve. We actively welcome nominations from candidates of all backgrounds, regions, and identities — including women, professionals from regions underrepresented at the global level, young leaders, Indigenous peoples,
people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
A representative Board is essential to advancing our shared vision of equitable access to quality parks and open spaces — for all people, in all cities.
How to nominate
Nominations are open to active members of World Urban Parks in good standing. Candidates may self-nominate or be nominated by another active member.
Deadline: 25 th of July 2026.
Submit a nomination: https://forms.gle/VL5beb5nd8XoLnYw6
For questions about the nomination process, eligibility, or position responsibilities, please contact Vitoria Martin, Global Secretariat, at office@worldurbanparks.org
The strength of an international network like ours depends on the leadership that guides it. If you — or someone in your network — is ready to contribute to the next chapter of World Urban Parks, we invite you to step forward.
