Commonwealth Association of Planners

On the 8-9th November 2019, the Ghana Institute of Planners (GIP) held its 48th Annual General Conference and 50th Anniversary under the theme “GIP @50; PLANNING FOR GHANA BEYOND AID”. The objective of this Conference was to celebrate the accomplishments in planning in Ghana and in the sub-region as well as share relevant information and knowledge on the subject matter of “Planning for Ghana beyond aid”. The event also provided an excellent opportunity for participants to reconnect, fraternize and network for professional development. Read full report here...

The winners of the 2019 CAP Awards for Outstanding Planning Achievement in the Commonwealth were announced on the 9th November 2019 at the 50th anniversary conference of the Ghana Institute of Planners in Accra, Ghana. Entries were reviewed by the independent judging panel consisting of: Trudi Elliot CBE (Chair), Kristin Agnello, Dr Carol Archer, Viral Desai, Emeritus Professor Cliff Hague OBE and Professor Barbara Norman...

A World Town Planning Day 2019 message from the CAP President and Presidents of the Global Planners Network associations.

At its heart, planning is about equity: it serves to balance the competing demands and needs of all people and of the built and natural environment. Planning seeks to act in the public interest to ensure fairness in the use of land and resources between those in need of housing, of jobs, of services and of infrastructure and those whose lives, property or outlooks might be harmed by such development...

President Dyan Currie met with UN Habitat Executive Director General Maimunah Mohd Sharif recently while in Russia on 31/10 for the UN Habitat World Cities Day Observance. Ms Sharif is a planner by trade and was the Mayor of the City Council of Penang Malaysia before commencing office in UNH in 2018. Ms Sharif and President Currie were discussing the role of Stakeholders in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. President Currie is also the Co-Chair of the Stakeholder Advisory Group which was created in May as an global level consultative body and advisory body to the Executive Director.

The Barbados Town Planning Society (BTPS) founded in 1968 is celebrating its 50th anniversary! This milestone anniversary was marked by the election of three Honorary Members: Luther Bourne, Lionel Nurse and Christine Toppin-Allahar (pictured) . The BTPS has made a massive contribution over the years to planning in Barbados as well as the wider Caribbean region and the Commonwealth. The BTPS was one of the founder members of CAP in the early 1970’s and has contributed valuably to our work ever since.

Congratulations from all at CAP to the Barbados Town Planning Society and the three Honourees!

Following an excellent response to the call for entries to the 2019 CAP Awards, a shortlist of entries has been identified by our eminent judging panel - Trudi Elliott CBE (CAP Patron and Chair of Judges), Emeritus Professor Cliff Hague OBE (CAP Honorary Vice President), Professor Barbara Norman, Kristin Agnello (CAP Women in Planning Network Coordinator), Viral Desai (CAP Young Planners Network Coordinator), Dr Carol Archer.

CAP was represented by Neil Blackshaw (retired RTPI member and specialist in health and planning) at the launch of A “Manifesto to secure a healthy planet for all” at the Overseas League in London on 31st July. The Manifesto was developed by the InterAction Council a group of former heads of government that addresses some of the most difficult global challenges. The launch was attended by representatives of the Governments of Papua New Guinea , Belize , Barbados, Sri Lanka, Germany, Denmark Ireland and Wales as well as many Commonwealth organisations...

The CAP Awards for Outstanding Planning Achievement in the Commonwealth seek to champion the very best examples of planning practice in the Commonwealth.

We are now taking submissions for the 2019 CAP Awards!

It’s been a big start to the year with many of you operating in exceptionally busy phases so please take a moment to relax and catch up with news of your profession from around the globe. This newsletter includes information from the recent CAP business meeting and elections, news and developments from member organisations and calls for papers from around the world if you are considering attending an international conference...

Inaugural applications for the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships are now open.

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) are fully-funded Master’s scholarships open to all Commonwealth citizens. Through them, successful applicants can travel to access a wide range of courses and benefit from the expertise provided by universities in a range of countries...