March 5, 2025 · Hong Kong
(Photos from IFLA APR members)
Landscape architecture leaders from 14 Asia-Pacific countries convened for a high-energy IFLA-APR Strategic Planning Workshop, charting a unified roadmap for the region’s future. In a hybrid in-person and virtual forum, delegates – including national association heads, educators, and allied partners – engaged in frank exchanges on shared challenges and opportunities. IFLA World President Bruno Marques opened with a global perspective, urging alignment with IFLA’s expanded “16+2” action goals and highlighting upcoming governance reforms. IFLA-APR President Chris Tidswell underscored that formalizing a regional plan is “essential to ensure our time in IFLA-APR is successful and helps us move forward”, setting a collaborative tone for the day.
Key Discussions...
...centered on strengthening regional collaboration, elevating education standards, and increasing professional recognition. Delegates from the 14 member organizations shared country updates – from addressing legislative gaps to engaging youth – illustrating both diverse contexts and common themes. The forum also heard updates on IFLA World initiatives: Peta-Maree Ashford outlined proposed governance improvements, Kharbal Kaltho presented a revamped World Congress model to ease host burdens, and Alessandro Martinelli from the Education Committee reported on the successful 2024 Global Studio Programme (GSP) and steps to expand its impact. Throughout the sessions, participants embraced an open, strategic mindset, keen on marrying local priorities with global objectives.
Outcomes and next steps...
... were clear. The workshop affirmed alignment of Asia-Pacific actions with IFLA World’s 18 priority goals, such as climate-responsive design and equitable practices. Delegates voiced strong support for revamping education and accreditation – including forming a new GSP alumni network for mentorship – and agreed to push for professional licensure laws in countries where landscape architects lack formal recognition. There was also consensus to co-brand national award programs with IFLA-APR, in order to elevate outstanding projects on a broader stage.
(Photos from IFLA APR members)
Community Voices...
IFLA-APR, in order to elevate outstanding projects to a broader stage.
“APR must support national awards to boost IFLA visibility.”
— one delegate, on celebrating regional excellence
“Recognition, not just awards, should be valued – highlight good work even if not top-tier.”
— another participant, on inclusive recognition
“Youth involvement and affordable events will drive future leadership.”
— youth representative
Outcomes and next steps...
... were clear. The workshop affirmed alignment of Asia-Pacific actions with IFLA World’s 18 priority goals, such as climate-responsive design and equitable practices. Delegates voiced strong support for revamping education and accreditation – including forming a new GSP alumni network for mentorship – and agreed to push for professional licensure laws in countries where landscape architects lack formal recognition. There was also consensus to co-brand national award programs with IFLA-APR, in order to elevate outstanding projects on a broader stage.
The Collaborative Spirit...
... of the workshop was unmistakable. Leaders and members deliberated as partners, not just colleagues. Many noted that this was the first strategic summit of its kind for IFLA-APR, and it succeeded in building trust and shared vision. By the end, a concise action plan and several task forces were established to carry forward the ideas, from a task force on awards endorsement to an advisory group on legislative advocacy. Participants departed with a sense of momentum and unity.
(Photos from IFLA APR members)
“This workshop underscored APR’s pivotal role connecting local initiatives to global frameworks,” President Chris Tidswell observed in closing, “and proved that by planning together, we can elevate landscape architecture across our region.”
The outcomes of the Hong Kong workshop will be compiled into a post-workshop report and roadmap, guiding IFLA-APR’s efforts in the coming years and ensuring the Asia-Pacific voice remains strong within the international landscape architecture community.