iAONR Branch of Urban and Regional Planning (BURP) Management Measures

Adopted at the First Session of the First Council Meeting held at the University of Hong Kong on March 27, 2026

Chapter I: General Provisions

Article 1: Purpose of Formulation

To standardize the organizational development and operational management of  the iAONR Branch of Urban and Regional Planning 
(hereinafter referred to as  “BURP”), clarify the BURP’s purpose, responsibilities, and operational mechanisms, ensure that all tasks of the BURP are carried out lawfully, orderly, and efficiently, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of BURP members, promote international exchange and cooperation in the field of urban and regional planning, and facilitate the rational utilization of natural resources and sustainable development, these Measures are formulated in accordance with the iAOMR Charter and relevant international organizational management practices.

Article 2: Nature of the BURP

The BURP is a non-independent legal academic branch under the International Association of  Natural Resources (hereinafter referred to as the “iAONR”). It operates under the leadership, supervision, and management of the iAONR and conducts academic exchanges, professional seminars, international cooperation, and other related activities within the scope authorized by the iAONR. All activities of the BURP must comply with the iAONR Charter and the provisions of these Measures and must not harm the reputation or interests of the iAONR.

Article 3: Core Objectives

1. Establish an international academic exchange platform in the field of urban and regional planning, promote communication and collaboration among experts, scholars, practitioners, and institutions worldwide, and share cutting-edge research findings, practical experiences, and innovative ideas.
2. Focus on core issues related to the rational allocation of natural resources and the sustainable development of cities and regions, conduct interdisciplinary and cross-regional academic research and practical exploration, and provide theoretical support and technical solutions for addressing common challenges in urban and regional planning globally.
3. Promote the development of industry standards and talent cultivation in urban and regional planning, organize international academic activities such as joint graduation projects and workshops, enhance the professional competence and international perspective of practitioners, and contribute to the overall advancement of the industry.
4. Strengthen ties and cooperation with government departments, international organizations, research institutions, industry associations, and enterprises worldwide, facilitate the implementation of international cooperation projects in urban and regional planning, and promote the sustainable use of natural resources and the protection of the global ecological environment.

Article 4: Scope of Activities

The BURP’s activities primarily cover the following areas:

1. Organize international academic conferences, thematic seminars, forums, lectures, and other exchange activities in the field of urban and regional planning.
2. In accordance with the arrangements and regulations of the iAONR, manage the organization, evaluation, and administration of the International Natural Resources and Planning Exemplary Awards.
3. Conduct academic research, project investigations, technical consultations, and the promotion of achievements related to urban and regional planning.
4. Edit and publish academic works, journals, conference proceedings, and industry reports in the field of urban and regional planning.
5. Promote international talent exchange, training, and cooperation projects in urban and regional planning.
6. Develop and safeguard the rights and interests of BURPmembers, providing services related to academic exchange and career development.
7. Undertake other tasks assigned by the iAONRand carry out other activities consistent with the BURP’s objectives and approved by the iAONR.

Chapter II: Organizational Structure and Responsibilities

Article 5: Organizational Framework

The BURP establishes core bodies including the Council, the Standing Council, and the Secretariat. These bodies operate within the scope of their responsibilities as defined in these Measures, coordinating and collaborating to advance the BURP’s affairs.

Article 6: Council

The Council is the decision-making body of the BURP, exercising decision-making authority over major matters and being accountable to the iAONR.

(I) Composition

The Council consists of members elected from among the BURP members. Council members should possess good academic reputations, extensive industry experience, and a commitment to the BURP’s work. The number of Council members is determined based on the BURP’s development scale, generally not fewer than 30, with a certain proportion from different countries and regions to reflect international representation. The Council serves a term of three years, and members may be re-elected.

(II) Main Responsibilities

1. Formulate and amend the BURPManagement Measures and related regulations.
2. Elect and remove Standing Council members, the Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons, and the Secretary-General.
3. Review and approve the BURP’s work reports.
4. Review and approve proposals for the establishment, adjustment, or dissolution of the BURP.
5. Review and decide on major academic activities, international cooperation projects, and other important matters of the BURP.
6. Supervise the implementation of the BURP’s work and the enforcement of its regulations.

(III) Meeting System

Council meetings are held once every three years, generally in conjunction with important academic activities of the BURP. Interim meetings may be convened upon the proposal of the Chairperson or upon the joint proposal of at least one-third of the Council members.

Council meetings require the attendance of at least two-thirds of the Council members to be valid. Resolutions must be approved by a majority vote of the attending members. For key issues such as amendments to the BURP Management Measures, resolutions require approval by at least two-thirds of the attending members.

Article 7: Standing Council

The Standing Council is the permanent body of the Council, exercising part of the Council’s authority during its recess and being accountable to the Council.

(I) Composition

The Standing Council consists of members elected by the Council. The number of Standing Council members shall not exceed half of the total Council members. The Standing Council serves the same term as the Council, and members may be re-elected but generally not for more than two consecutive terms.

(II) Main Responsibilities

1. Implement resolutions of the Council.
2. Prepare and organize Council meetings.
3. Review and approve the BURP’s annual work plans.
4. Review and approve the BURP’s annual work summaries.
5. Coordinate relationships between the BURPand the iAONR, other international organizations, relevant national institutions, and members.
6. Oversee the evaluation and review of BURPawards, academic achievements, project applications, etc.
7. Review and decide on major academic activities, international cooperation projects, and other important matters of the BURP.
8. Handle other significant daily matters during the Council’s recess.

(III) Meeting System

Standing Council meetings are held at least once a year and may be conducted in person, via video conference, or other means. Meetings require the attendance of at least two-thirds of the Standing Council members to be valid. Resolutions must be approved by a majority vote of the attending members.

Article 8: Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons

(I) Qualifications

The Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons should meet the following conditions:

1. Possess high academic achievements and broad international influence, with significant accomplishments in the field of urban and regional planning.
2. Demonstrate strong organizational, coordination, and leadership abilities to effectively advance the BURP’s work.
3. Be committed to the BURP’s work, willing to contribute to its development, and have sufficient time to dedicate to the role.
4. Comply with the iAONRCharter and these Measures, with no record of academic misconduct or violations of laws or regulations that harm the industry’s reputation.

(II) Main Responsibilities

Chairperson’s Responsibilities:

1. Preside over Council and Standing Council meetings, convene and chair important BURP
2. Lead the overall work of the BURPand implement Council resolutions.
3. Sign important BURPdocuments, resolutions, and external cooperation agreements.
4. Nominate candidates for Secretary-General for election by the Council.
5. Coordinate work among BURPbodies and address major issues encountered during the BURPs development.
6. Represent the BURP at important activities of the iAONR and other relevant international organizations or institutions.

Vice-Chairpersons’ Responsibilities:

1. Assist the Chairperson in their work and oversee specific areas of the BURP’s operations.
2. Assume part of the Chairperson’s responsibilities in their absence or inability to perform duties.
3. Complete other tasks assigned by the Chairperson.

(III) Term of Office

The Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons, and Standing Council members serve the same term as the Council and may be re-elected but not for more than two consecutive terms.

Article 9: Secretariat

The Secretariat is the daily administrative body of the BURP, responsible for daily operations, coordination, and service support, and is accountable to the Council and Standing Council.

(I) Composition

The Secretariat consists of one Secretary-General, several Deputy Secretaries-General, and several secretaries. The Secretary-General is nominated by the Chairperson and elected by the Council. Deputy Secretaries-General are nominated by the Secretary-General and approved by the Standing Council. Academic secretaries are appointed by the Secretary-General. The Secretary-General and Deputy Secretaries-General serve the same term as the Council and may be re-elected.

(II) Main Responsibilities

1. Implement the BURP’s annual work plans and carry out resolutions of the Council and Standing Council.
2. Manage daily administrative affairs, including document drafting, meeting organization, and information dissemination.
3. Oversee member recruitment, management, and services.
4. Prepare and implement academic activities and international cooperation projects.
5. Handle daily communication and liaison with the iAONR, other international organizations, relevant national institutions, and members.
6. Complete other tasks assigned by the Council, Standing Council, Chairperson, or Vice-Chairpersons.

Chapter III: Membership Management

Article 10: Types of Members

BURP members are divided into individual members and institutional members:

1. Individual Members: Experts, scholars, practitioners, and students engaged in academic research or practical work in fields such as urban and regional planning, urban design, architecture, landscape, public art, natural resource management, regional economics, engineering consulting, and ecological environment may apply to become individual members.

Individual members are categorized by status: Youth Member / Regular Member / Council Member / Standing Council Member.

2. Institutional Members: Research institutions, enterprises, industry associations, government departments, and other relevant organizations engaged in urban and regional planning-related activities may apply to become institutional members.

Institutional members are categorized by level of involvement: Regular Institutional Member / Council Institutional Member / Standing Council Institutional Member.

Article 11: Membership Conditions

Individuals or institutions applying to join the BURP must meet the following conditions:

1. Uphold the iAONRCharter and these Measures.
2. Express willingness to join the BURP.
3. Individual members must possess relevant professional knowledge or work experience.
4. Institutional members must be legally registered and have a certain level of influence or operational foundation in relevant fields.
5. Have no record of violations of laws or regulations or actions that harm the industry’s reputation.

Article 12: Membership Application Procedure

1. Submit an application: Individuals or institutions submit a written application to the BURP Secretariat along with relevant supporting documents (e.g., identification, academic/ professional qualifications for individuals; institutional credentials and contact information for institutions).
2. Review: The Secretariat conducts a preliminary review of the application materials. Upon approval, the application is submitted to the Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons for deliberation.
3. Approval: After deliberation and approval, the Secretariat notifies the applicant to complete membership procedures.
4. Registration: After paying the membership fee as required, the Secretariat registers the member, issues a membership certificate, and includes them in the BURP’s membership management system.

Article 13: Member Rights

BURP members enjoy the following rights:

1. The right to vote, stand for election, and participate in decision-making.
2. Participate in academic activities, training programs, and international cooperation exchanges organized by the Branch.
3. Access academic materials, industry information, technical consultations, and other services provided by the Branch.
4. The right to criticize, suggest, and supervise the Branch’s work.
5. Priority participation in academic research, project investigations, and achievement promotion projects organized by the Branch.
6. Participate in iAONRactivities and receive support and assistance from the iAONR.
7. Freedom to join or withdraw from the Branch voluntarily.

Article 14: Member Obligations

Branch members must fulfill the following obligations:

1. Comply with the iAONRCharter and these Measures and implement Branch resolutions.
2. Safeguard the reputation and legitimate rights and interests of the Branch.
3. Pay membership fees as required.
4. Actively participate in Branch activities and complete tasks assigned by the Branch.
5. Provide feedback on industry trends, academic achievements, and relevant suggestions to the Branch.
6. Maintain confidentiality of Branch work and not disclose unpublished academic materials or cooperation information.

Article 15: Membership Fees

1. UPPCMembership Fee Standards:

Individual Members:

• Youth Member: $15
• Regular Member: $30
• Council Member: $100
• Standing Council Member: $100

Institutional Members:

Institutional membership is open to regular institutions, council institutions, and standing council institutions. These institutions may apply to become partners and actively participate in the activities of the iAONR.

• Regular Institutional Member:
• Academic/Research Institutions: $200
• Enterprises: $300
• Council Institutional Member:
• Academic/Research Institutions: $400
• Enterprises: $1,000
• Standing Council Institutional Member:
• Academic/Research Institutions: $600
• Enterprises: $2,000

2. Regular institutional members may recommend two relevant personnel from their institution as regular or youth members. Council institutional members may recommend one principal representative as a council candidate and two relevant personnel as regular or youth members. Standing council institutional members may recommend one principal representative as a standing council candidate and two relevant personnel as regular or youth members.
3. Members must pay membership fees within the specified period each year. Failure to pay after reminders will result in automatic suspension of membership rights. Failure to pay for two consecutive years will be considered automatic withdrawal.
4. Members who do not participate in activities or fulfill obligations for two consecutive years, or institutional members who fail to pay fees for one year and do not rectify after reminders, will be considered to have automatically withdrawn.

Article 16: Withdrawal and Removal

1. Voluntary Withdrawal: Members may voluntarily apply to withdraw by submitting a written application to the Secretariat. After review, withdrawal procedures will be completed. Membership fees already paid will not be refunded.
2. Removal: Members who fall under any of the following circumstances may be removed after deliberation and approval by the Standing Council, with their membership certificates revoked:

• Seriously violate the iAONRCharter or these Measures.
• Harm the UPPC’s reputation or legitimate rights and interests, causing adverse effects.
• Fail to pay membership fees for two consecutive years without rectification after reminders.
• Submit false application materials to obtain membership.
• Engage in other illegal or disciplinary actions that damage the UPPC’s image.

Removed members will no longer enjoy any rights or fulfill any obligations as UPPC members from the date of removal.

Chapter IV: Work Systems and Activity Management

Article 17: Work Plan and Summary System

The UPPC implements an annual work plan and summary system. At the end of each year, the Secretariat prepares the work plan for the following year (including budget arrangements) for approval by the Standing Council. By the end of January of the following year, the Secretariat submits the previous year’s work summary to the Standing Council for review and copies it to the iAONR for record.

Article 18: Meeting System

UPPC meetings include Council meetings, Standing Council meetings, and various academic meetings. The organization of meetings must strictly comply with these Measures and relevant meeting rules to ensure standardization and efficiency. Resolutions, minutes, and other documents formed during meetings must be archived and communicated to relevant personnel promptly.

Article 19: Academic Activity Management

Academic activities organized by the UPPC (e.g., international academic conferences, thematic seminars) must align with the UPPC’s objectives, focus on core issues in urban and regional planning, and emphasize academic rigor, professionalism, and international relevance.

During activity preparation, detailed plans must be developed, including themes, content, timing, location, organizational structure, and division of responsibilities. After activities conclude, summaries must be prepared, outcomes organized, and results promoted and archived.

Article 20: Information Release and Publicity System

The UPPC establishes a standardized information release and publicity system. Information such as work updates, academic activity announcements, research achievements, and member details must be reviewed by the Secretariat before release. Important information requires approval from the Chairperson or Vice-Chairpersons. Information must be truthful, accurate, and timely, with no false or non-compliant content. The UPPC may use official websites, academic journals, and other channels for publicity to enhance its international influence.

Chapter V: Financial Management

Article 21: Financial Management

The UPPC’s financial management is unified under the iAONR. Funding sources include:

1. Membership fees.
2. Support from the iAONR.
3. Income from academic activities, training programs, technical consultations, and other services.
4. Donations and sponsorships from government agencies, enterprises, and individuals.
5. Income from consulting services commissioned by governments or enterprises.
6. Other legitimate funding sources.

Article 22: Principles of Fund Usage

UPPC funds must be used in accordance with the principles of “dedicated use and frugality” and managed under the iAONR’s budget regulations.

Chapter VI: Transition and Personnel Appointment/Removal

Article 23: Transition Procedures

The UPPC’s transition work is led and organized by the Standing Council, with the following procedures:

1. Transition Preparation: Six months before the transition, a transition preparation working group is established to handle all preparatory work, including developing transition plans, reviewing UPPCwork, and recommending candidates for the new Council.
2. Candidate Recommendation: Candidates for the new Council are recommended by the previous Council, jointly recommended by members, or self-nominated. After review by the transition preparation working group, the candidate list is finalized.
3. Election: A Council meeting is held to elect the new Standing Council members, Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons, and Secretary-General.
4. Record Filing: After the transition, the Secretariat submits the list of new organizational personnel and the transition work summary to the iAONRfor record.

Article 24: Supplementary Personnel Appointment/Removal

1. During the Council’s term, if vacancies arise among Council or Standing Council members, the Secretary-General may nominate candidates for approval by the Standing Council. If vacancies arise for the Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons, or Secretary-General, the Standing Council may nominate candidates for election.
2. For UPPCpersonnel who are incompetent, fail to perform duties, or violate regulations, a Council meeting may be convened upon the joint proposal of at least one-third of the Council members or upon the proposal of the Standing Council to review and remove them.

Chapter VII: Supervision and Rewards/Penalties

Article 25: Supervision Mechanism

1. The Council exercises supervision over the work of the Standing Council, Secretariat, and subordinate bodies.
2. The Standing Council supervises the daily work of the Secretariat.
3. Council members have the right to supervise the UPPC’s work and may submit criticisms, suggestions, or complaints in writing.
4. The UPPCaccepts supervision and management from the iAONR, regularly reports on its work, and cooperates with inspections and audits conducted by the iAONR.

Article 26: Rewards

Members, organizational personnel, and relevant institutions that demonstrate outstanding performance or make significant contributions to the UPPC’s development may receive the following rewards after deliberation and approval by the Standing Council:

1. Issuance of honorary certificates, plaques, or trophies.
2. Public recognition through official UPPC
3. Priority recommendation for participation in important UPPCacademic activities, international cooperation projects, or other honorary selections.

Article 27: Penalties

Members, organizational personnel, or relevant institutions that violate these Measures, harm the UPPC’s interests, or damage its reputation may receive the following penalties after deliberation and approval by the Standing Council or Council:

1.  
2. Public criticism.
3. Suspension of membership rights or organizational positions.
4. Removal from membership or dismissal from organizational positions.
5. Pursuit of economic liability (e.g., compensation for financial losses caused).
6. For serious violations constituting illegal or criminal acts, referral to relevant authorities for handling.

Chapter VIII: Supplementary Provisions

Article 28: Interpretation Authority

The interpretation authority of these Measures rests with the Council of the BURP.

Article 29: Amendments

Amendments to these Measures must be reviewed and approved by the Branch Council meeting and filed with the iAONR before taking effect.

Article 30: Effective Date

These Measures take effect upon approval by the First Council Meeting of BURP and filing with the iAONR.

Article 31: Other Matters

Matters not covered in these Measures shall be handled in accordance with the iAONR Charter and relevant international organizational management practices. In case of conflict between these Measures and the iAONR Charter or relevant laws and regulations, the iAONR Charter and relevant laws and regulations shall prevail.