As part of this year’s 50th anniversary celebrations the results of the 2021 CAP award for planning excellence were announced at the City Expo Malaysia on 8th November 2021. The ceremony was led by CAP President Eleanor Mohammed.

Malaysian young planner Elias Young Daud won the first ever CAP young Planner of the year award. Te Whaihanga a project engaging Māori in planning in New Zealand won the planning for equitable and inclusive cities and human settlements award. Urban Eels: our sustainable city Palmerston North New Zealand won the award for conservation of the built and natural environment and cultural heritage.

The planning for the climate emergency award went to an eco flood management project Sistem Pemantauan Operasi Pam (SPOP) project (Malaysia).

Skudi River rejuvenation plan Malaysia won the Planning for cities and human settlements/plan making in the commonwealth award and the community farming project at Kinari Low cost flat Malaysia took home the award for planning in response to natural and technological disasters.

These projects along with commended shortlisted projects demonstrate the role of planners and planning in meeting the challenges faced across the Commonwealth. They demonstrate in practical ways how we can deliver the on Sustainable Development Goals and address the challenge of the climate emergency. They illustrate the role of collaboration between professionals and communities, the contribution Universities can make and the critical importance of valuing the experience and voice of indigenous communities. They illustrate the value of a plan, of place specific solutions, informed use of data  ,of creativity and the learning we can share across the Commonwealth.

CAP president Eleanor Mohammed said:

“Congratulations to all of the award recipients. The awards showcase the power of planning and planners within the commonwealth. Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit their project  or themselves for an award. All of the submissions were very well done and I know the judges were challenged in selecting the winners. I also want to thank the volunteer judges, who spent a great amount of time coordinating and adjudicating the entries. It’s a lot of work and the Commonwealth Association of Planners is grateful for their time and energy."

Full details of the winners and shortlisted projects can be found in the Awards section.