Reporting lessons, outcomes, and open issues from the 18th AESOP Young academics conference

Young researchers in urban planning often struggle to find ‘safe spaces’ and academic opportunities to discuss their work and receive constructive feedback. The 18th Aesop Young Academics conference provided such a platform. The event, articulated around five tracks, addressed key gaps in the field of urban planning, including urban-rural dynamics, academia practice divide, and planning for coexistence among humans, animal and natural species, and the environment. This paper shares the experience of the conference by reflecting on its conception, themes, outcomes, and legacy. The most significant outcome lies in the identification of key points and open issues that form a foundation for young researchers to tackle the growing challenges of coexistence.