Urban planning professionals and municipal technicians in Paraguay now can apply to a free training programme, offering international certification. The initiative is designed to strengthen local capacities in sustainable urban development. The programme is perfect for those working in or supporting municipal roles. Registration is open until 23 June, with courses commencing on 1 July.
Urban planning programme
Led by the Ministry of Urban Planning, Housing and Habitat (MUVH) in coordination with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy (LILP), the programme combines academic rigour with practical experience. Participants will explore technical, environmental, social, and economic dimensions of urban planning, while building a professional network committed to resilient and integrated urban transformation.
There is three distinct stages of training, each crafted to deepen participants’ understanding of urban planning principles and their application in real-world contexts.
1. Basic Online Course: Fundamentals of Urban Planning and Land Use
Taking place from July 1 to August 11, this six-week virtual course introduces core urban planning concepts, including land use regulations and sustainable development. With tutor guidance, participants will build a strong theoretical foundation. Those who meet the minimum criteria will receive a certificate of completion.
2. Practical Workshop: In-Person Application
Participants who complete the online course are eligible for a hands-on, in-person workshop, held between August 13 and September 19 in multiple cities across Paraguay. This phase focuses on applied skills in planning and community engagement, allowing professionals to address local development issues directly. Attendees must participate in at least 95% of the sessions to qualify for certification.
3. Advanced Online Course: Strategic Urban Planning Techniques
The final component runs from September 23 to October 28. Open only to those who have passed the basic module, this six-week course delves into advanced urban planning strategies and tools. The public target is professionals looking to take on leadership roles in policy design and long-term urban management.
How to apply?
The programme is completely free of charge, although travel and accommodation for the in-person workshop are the responsibility of the participant or their institution.
All components of the course are supported by the IDB and come with internationally recognised certification. Participants who successfully complete the basic and in-person modules will obtain a formal credential. Those who complete the basic and advanced online courses will also receive certification. After completion they might be included in a national registry of professionals qualified to assist in municipal planning across Paraguay.
This urban planning programme offers a rare chance to engage in high-level training with international standards, guided by regional experts and global institutions. Interested professionals must apply via the programme’s official forms or request further details by emailing programadecapacitacionpy@iadb.org.
This training is part of the MUVH’s broader strategy to promote sustainable urban development across Paraguay. Earlier this year, under the Affordable Housing programme, the Ministry opened applications for families to purchase one of twelve newly built apartments in Luque. Initiatives such as these demonstrate the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening municipal capacity. And delivering concrete results for communities, which now continues with the launch of this free training course.
