Commonwealth Action Series presents: Environment: Climate Change and Sustainable Blue Economies! 04 December 2020 The Commonwealth Association of Planners Young Planners Network is delighted to invite you personally to the sixth and final session in the Commonwealth Action Series with the Commonwealth Youth Programme. Date Time: Wednesday 9th December 2020, 12.00 GMT Topic: Youth Friendly Planning: The Future of Built and Marine Environments Register here Please join the webinar 5-10 minutes early. Our final, critical theme is ‘Environment: Climate Change and Sustainable Blue Economies’. With COVID-19 updates dominating headlines this session will ensure that our important charge to protect our environment and our oceans does not slip off the global agenda. This session on Youth Friendly Planning: The future of built and marine environments is an exciting approach to raise the awareness on the potential of youth engagement and meaningful participation to create youth-friendly urban plans, while harnessing the blue economic opportunities for achieving more integrated, sustainable and climate resilient cities. Since its successful launch in July, the series provides a powerful platform for youth-led collaboration and action. The Commonwealth Action Series is allowing young people to: Explore solutions to a range of issues affecting them, including climate change and youth unemployment; Ideate and agree on actions; and Contribute to the agenda of next Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meeting. Back to News/Events

By Kelley Moore, MA, RPP, FCIP < Back CAP Reflects for WUF 13 26 May 2026 By Kelley Moore, MA, RPP, FCIP CAP’s Re flections from World Urban Forum Thirteenth Session, Baku Azerbauan Momentum, commitment, and a shared vision for housing justice This May, members of the Commonwealth Association of Planners joined thousands of urban leaders, practitioners and policymakers at the World Urban Forum 13 in Baku, Azerbaijan. It was an extraordinary gathering (the largest WUF to date, with more than 52,000 participants from 176 countries) and one that reaffirmed the power of global collaboration and the essential role of planners in shaping sustainable, inclusive and resilient futures. At the heart of this year’s Forum was the Baku Call to Action , a bold and unambiguous statement urging the world to confront the global housing crisis at its roots. It is a call that resonates deeply with our mission as planners, and one that demands our collective leadership. The Baku Call to Action: A turning point The Baku Call to Action is more than a document, it is a rallying cry. It recognizes that the global housing crisis is not a series of isolated challenges, but a polycrisis driven by structural inequities, historical injustices and governance failures. With an estimated 3.4 billion people living in inadequate housing, the urgency could not be clearer. The Call to Action highlights three core imperatives: Rethinking housing systems by recognizing housing as a human right and a social good. Embedding climate justice, acknowledging that housing and climate resilience are inseparable. Moving from commitments to implementation, shifting from aspiration to action through stronger governance, investment and accountability. This final point echoed throughout WUF13. As Kelley Moore, CAP’s Secretary General, reflected, “WUF13 reinforced the importance of integrated planning, professional collaboration, local capacity building, climate resilience, and moving from commitments to implementation.” It was a message that resonated across panel sessions, training workshops and informal conversations: the path forward exists, now the world must deliver. Strengthening capacity for sustainable urban futures CAP was proud to contribute to a collaborative training session led by ISOCARP under the patronage of the Habitat Professionals Forum. The session focused on capacity development, equipping participants with tools to identify capacity gaps, co‑develop strategic responses and strengthen professional competencies. Kelley joined an exceptional panel of international leaders, contributing to discussions that underscored the need for stronger partnerships, integrated planning systems and meaningful collaboration across sectors and communities. As she noted, participating alongside colleagues from across the Commonwealth and internationally was both an honor and a reminder of the scale of our shared responsibility. We also contributed to the session Housing for All Ages: Planning Inclusive, Resilient Communities , exploring how planners can deliver affordable, accessible and adaptable housing across the life course - a critical dimension of SDGs 3, 10, 11, 13 and 17. The role of CAP members: delivering on the Baku Call to Action The Baku Call to Action sets a global direction, but its success depends on local leadership. This is where CAP members play a pivotal role. Across the Commonwealth, planners are uniquely positioned to: ● Champion housing as a human right ● Embed climate resilience in planning systems ● Strengthen community-led planning ● Advocate for inclusive governance and equitable investment ● Tell the stories that shift public understanding Our work is not only technical, it is narrative. Planners are storytellers. We connect people, places and possibilities. We translate community aspirations into shared visions. We bridge the local and the global. Delivering on the Baku Call to Action requires us to bring these strengths to the forefront. A reflection on WUF13: Connecting the Commonwealth WUF13 reminded us that planning is a global profession with a shared purpose. Whether in small island states confronting climate impacts, rapidly growing African cities, or established urban centres navigating housing affordability, the challenges we face are interconnected - and so are the solutions. The warmth and hospitality of the Azerbaijani people added a memorable dimension to the Forum. Their pride of place was evident in the architecture, the preservation of history, traditional arts and culture, and in the generosity shown by volunteers throughout the event. Even amidst the pace and intensity, there was always someone ready with a smile or an offer to help. Discussions throughout the Forum reinforced themes central to both the WUF13 Background Paper and the Baku Call to Action: housing as a human right, integrated planning systems, climate resilience, multilevel governance, participatory approaches and professional capacity development. One message rose above all others, implementation matters. Achieving meaningful progress will require stronger governance mechanisms, long-term investment, local capacity building and sustained collaboration across sectors and disciplines. This aligns strongly with CAP’s mandate and ongoing work across the Commonwealth. For the Commonwealth, this global connection is especially powerful. Our diversity is our strength. Our shared history, values and professional networks give us a unique platform to: ● Drive momentum for housing justice ● Advance sustainable urban growth ● Strengthen planning capacity across borders ● Share knowledge and amplify innovation As planners, we hold the tools to shape the future, but more importantly, we hold the stories that inspire action. Looking ahead The momentum from Baku is real. It is energizing. And, it is ours to carry forward. Let us continue to lead with purpose, collaborate with generosity and advocate with courage. Together, we can ensure that the Commonwealth remains at the forefront of global planning leadership, advancing housing justice, climate resilience and sustainable urban futures for all. If you’d like to explore how CAP can support your work or how you can contribute to the Baku Call to Action, you may want to explore our global initiatives or connect with colleagues across the network through our professional community, or get in touch with Commonwealth Association of Planners Secretariat Annette O’Donnell at annette.odonnell@rtpi.org.uk Previous Back to Top Next

CLIMATE ACTION Cities as the prime driving forces for climate action CAP can make a continuing contribution to addressing the multiple issues that arise from a changing climate. Our strength is in our considerable resource of professional planners who span the globe. CAP can be especially effective in the realm of climate change adaption and community resilience policies and actions. CAP’s Climate Action Working Group (CAWG) was established to mainstream climate actions. Planners have been at the forefront of climate change research and action. What planners need, worldwide, is shareable implementation policies and examples of projects and programs that assist in climate change mitigation, adaptation, and community resilience. CAWG’s mandate was to: Take an active part in UN-Habitat Planners for Climate Action initiatives Tie Climate Action to CAP’s Sustainable Cities Initiative/Partnership Develop Climate Action statements and responses to global events, calls for action Identify new partnerships and funding for projects and initiatives Prepare for UN Climate Change Conferences, UN-Habitat World Urban Forums, and similar events Develop resources and/or projects to build urban resilience to climate change impacts Create and post Climate Action content for CAP’s online channels. CAWG’s principles Through its actions, the CAWG attempts to follow certain two key principles: (1) focus on actionable and scalable responses to various climate impacts that are interconnected and global (2) build resilient communities that lead to more equitable social and economic opportunities for everyone. Why Cities Are Essential for Climate Action About 56% (4.4 billion) of the global population live in the cities and it is estimated 2.5 billion people will live in cities by 2050, according to the World Bank. Determined actions in urban areas can be influential in achieving long-term sustainability of the global energy system, including the carbon emission reductions required to meet the climate goals reached at COP21 in Paris. Cities are significant contributors to climate change. According to UN Habitat, cities: utilize 78% of the world's energy contribute more than 60% of greenhouse gas emissions, occupy less than 2% of the Earth surface. The International Energy Agency (IEA) highlights that cities represent 70% of the cost- effective emissions-reduction opportunities between now and 2050. Cities will be the determining factor in whether the world succeeds in limiting temperature rise to 2 degrees C (3.56 degrees F) and preventing the worst effects of climate change. Major areas of action include: heating and cooling, sustainable transport, bridging local and international policies. As a subset of Green Finance (COP 26), Climate Finance and the transfer of public resources from developed to developing countries will be crucial to mitigating and adapting to climate change. Climate finance will strengthen financially unstable countries in their most vulnerable climate circumstances. Designing urban green spaces for clim ate adaptation and mitigation According to the UNFCCC, urban green spaces contribute to the resilience and mitigation of climate change. Proper management of urban green spaces will enhance air quality, reduce the urban heat island effect, act as a flood mitigation system, and improve human health and well-being.

The peak organisation representing planners across the Commonwealth, CAP has championed and connected planners since its inception over 50 years ago. ABOUT CAP As the peak organisation representing planners across the Commonwealth, CAP has championed, promoted and connected planners and planning since its inception over 50 years ago. CAP is a volunteer-based organisation that draws support from our 30 Member Institutes, who in turn represent over 40,000 planners and allied professionals across the Commonwealth. As the peak organisation representing planners across the Commonwealth, CAP has championed, promoted and connected planners and planning since its inception over 50 years ago.CAP is a volunteer-based organisation that draws support from our 30 Member Institutes , who in turn represent over 40,000 planners and allied professionals across the Commonwealth. Our Member Institutes vary in size, complexity and the environments in which they contribute, but together we share a strong commitment to ensuring that the role of planners and planning is recognised, respected and remembered. CAP is guided in its activities by a Strategic Plan .

2025 CAP Planning Awards AND THE WINNERS ARE ... Planning for Human Settlements / Plan-Making in the Commonwealth Chemawawin Cree Nation Environmental Management Plan CANADA Chemawawin Cree Nation, Narratives Planning This submission is thorough and effectively meets all criteria for this category. The environmental management plan adopts a holistic and Indigenous-led approach, serving as an excellent model for others to emulate. It outlines a clear vision for the future of the area, along with practical steps for implementation. The jury is very impressed with the engagement process involving the Indigenous community, which is clearly reflected throughout the plan. This project promotes Indigenous planning and design principles, showcasing creativity rooted in Indigenous knowledge. It can be easily replicated and adapted across all Commonwealth states, including those with marginalized communities. Planning for Human Settlements / Plan-Making in the Commonwealth COMMENDATION City Plan Adelaide 2036: A Spatial Blueprint for Growth AUSTRALIA City of Adelaide, Australia The City Plan - Adelaide 2036 is an engagement-driven, data-led urban design framework. It will support the doubling of the residential population from 26,000 to 50,000 by 2036, while becoming more accessible, cooler, and greener, and driving investment in local and regional infrastructure and housing. The judges considered the approach to the plan to be an excellent example of city-wide planning, characterized by significant engagement, particularly in relation to climate change and resilience. Planning for Climate Change and Adaptation Delivering Flood Response and Resilience Through Innovative Planning NEW ZEALAND Beca Limited, Auckland Council, City of Auckland, New Zealand This nomination recognises the innovative planning approach that was implemented to deliver two significant flood response and resilience infrastructure projects in Mangere, Auckland, New Zealand, following the devastating flood events of 2023. The judges were impressed by the integrated approach with the community in developing a response plan to significant flooding. Significant collaboration and innovation. Planning for Climate Change and Adaptation COMMENDATION Coastal Protection Regulations CANADA Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (MODL) The recently adopted Coastal Protection Guidelines have introduced enforceable land-use controls to address sea-level rise, storm surge, coastal erosion, flooding, and the protection of sensitive coastal ecosystems, such as wetlands. Based on the latest scientific data, including erosion modelling, sea level rise projections, and floodplain mapping, the project established three mapped regulatory zones: Erosion Risk Areas, Flood Risk Areas, and Sensitive Coastal Areas. The judges were impressed with the integration of nature-based solutions and meaningful public engagement. The initiative promotes long-term land use certainty, public safety, and environmental resilience. Planning for Equitable and Inclusive Cities and Human Settlements COMMENDATION Street Art "Jalan Negara Kita" MALAYSIA Jalan Negara Kita Community Jalan Negara Kita is a community initiative that embodies the essential values of the equity award. The community started it to promote and revitalize a neglected area. Through collective efforts, the area has evolved into a vibrant public attraction. This initiative can easily be replicated across the Commonwealth. Planning for the Conservation of the Built and Natural Environment and Cultural Heritage The Kurunegala Lake Round Revitalization Project SRI LANKA Urban Development Authority, North Western Provincial Office, Kurunegala Municipal Council The Kurunegala Lake Round revitalization project serves as an exemplary model of integrated conservation planning, successfully blending heritage preservation, ecological restoration, and sustainable urban development. This initiative highlights the importance of integrating cultural, environmental, and heritage preservation into a cohesive framework that supports the community's overall development. Furthermore, the project has effectively implemented this plan within an urban context, which can often be a challenging environment. The methods and techniques used in this project demonstrate effective collaboration, significant social and environmental impact, moderate technical depth, and successful teamwork, all while incorporating nature-based solutions. These approaches are noteworthy and can be easily adapted by Commonwealth nations. Young Planner Award: Essay Competition Rajlaxmi Gaware Royal Town Planning Institute For the 2025 CAP Young Planners Award, young planning students or professionals were invited to submit an essay entry on the topic: Digital Twins and Participatory Futures: Democratizing Urban Planning Through Immersive Technologies Rajlaxmi’s essay demonstrates an impressive ability to make a highly technical subject both accessible and engaging. The writing is clear, concise, and inviting, ensuring that even readers outside the planning profession can grasp the implications of immersive technologies in shaping future cities. This communicative strength reflects a deep understanding of the importance of inclusivity in planning discourse. The discussion on 3D visualisation is particularly compelling. By presenting it as a relatable and tangible experience, the author effectively bridges the gap between digital innovation and everyday urban challenges such as traffic congestion and flooding. This connection between technology and lived experience powerfully illustrates how tools like digital twins can make planning processes more interactive, transparent, and people-centred. The essay also benefits from the integration of multiple case studies, which lend credibility and contextual depth to the arguments. Although these were not formally referenced, their presence enriches the essay’s analytical rigour and demonstrates an awareness of global applications of immersive planning. What distinguishes this essay most is its human authenticity—a reminder that, even amid digital transformation, planning remains a discipline grounded in empathy and public engagement. The essay captures this balance beautifully, combining technical understanding with emotional resonance. Overall, Rajlaxmi’s essay is thought-provoking, relatable, and well- articulated—a strong contribution to the discussion on democratising urban planning through technology and an exemplary piece worthy of recognition.

18 January 2016 < Back Good Planning Makes Societies More Resilient 18 January 2016 Dyan Currie and Clive Harridge, President and Secretary-General, respectively, of the Commonwealth Association of Planners (CAP), were recently in Malta to attend the Commonwealth People’s Forum (CPF) in the run up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). The Malta Chamber of Planners (MACP) met with both Dyan and Clive and had the opportunity to exchange views on current planning issues, particularly with reference to Malta. The CAP represents over 40,000 planners worldwide and plays a leading role in developing the planning profession throughout the countries of the Commonwealth. The MACP forms part of the European section of CAP which also includes the Royal Town Planning Institute (UK) and the Cyprus Association of Town Planners. The main theme of this year’s CPF was ‘What makes societies resilient?’. This is a crucial current theme in view of issues relating particularly to climate change, increased urbanisation and poverty, issues very relevant to Malta. As Dyan clearly pointed out in her address at the CPF, proper planning is an important tool to ensure that strong societies are developed, societies which are resilient and can meet the challenges that the future may bring in a sustainable manner. According to Dyan ‘Good planning is the best way to manage urban growth, to secure the necessary infrastructure investment, determine appropriate settlement patterns for our cities and towns and to generate economic development that contributes positively to the well being of communities and the natural environments.’ The Planning Institute of Australia, had run a programme called ‘Planning Matters’. This programme, aimed at public and private sector organisations as well as the general public, sought to promote a better understanding towards the importance of planning as a discipline and as a crucial tool for sustainable development as well as create a greater understanding towards and support for the work of planners. This view is also strongly expressed by the Royal Town Planning Institute’s publication ‘Delivering Better Development: The role of the urban and rural planner’. Planning seeks to positively manage development through the creation of good policies and practical solutions for managing development, supporting economic growth and access to jobs whilst protecting the environment and building sustainably with the aim to improve places for the local communities. This is certainly not an easy task, particularly for Malta, and the more the country weakens its planning structures and mechanisms, the greater will be the problems faced in the future. Proper planning principles, in Malta, are often challenged by strong, well-resourced lobby groups representing commercial interests, which are often favourably considered by short sighted politicians at the expense of sustainable development. Despite the rhetoric, many a time, these developments have turned out to be speculative in nature, profitable only to their promoters and counter to the enhancement of the quality of both the environment and the life of the local community. Misjudged or flawed planning decisions, which may or may have not been taken intentionally and equally detrimental reluctance in the application of what may have seemed unpopular, have in the past resulted in a number of serious problems, particularly with regard to traffic congestion and safety, urban sprawl, pollution and overdevelopment. A lax application of planning policy, and a laissez faire attitude, have in general led to ‘market failure’. In land use planning it is fundamental to take good decisions in a timely manner and which are neither too rash and ill-thought nor unnecessarily protracted and damaging to the competitiveness of enterprise. Changes in the legislation to entrust greater power to the few rather than focusing on subsidiarity, community engagement and sustainability, will not only result in higher costs to the society to sustain infrastructure and public services, amongst others, but will also widen the divide between those who have and those who have not, increasing the possibility in future of greater dependency on the state and increased poverty, thus undermining society’s resilience. The Malta Declaration on Governance for Resilience which emerged from the CPF and presented to the Commonwealth Heads of Government states the following: ‘Achieving resilient urbanisation and planning for sustainable human settlements requires inclusive people’s participation. An ultimate goal in planning for resilient urbanisation is to work with governments and communities to ensure informed decisions are made in a democratic process. Planning for resilience is not a neutral technocratic process, but an inclusive one, bringing all stakeholders to the table.’ A weakening of proper people’s participation in the planning process decreases society’s resilience and Government is responsible to ensure that structures for public participation are transparent and strengthened. After all the setting up of the Small States Centre for Excellence, which was announced during last month’s CHOGM, aims to support efforts towards sustainable development planning, disaster risk planning and sustainable development. It is hoped that this newly formed centre will live up to its aims in a genuine effort to achieve sustainable development planning, particularly in Malta, thus ensuring a more resilient society in future. The Chamber’s website is www.kmap.org.mt and email info.kmap@gmail.com . Anthony Ellul, General Secretary, Malta Chamber of Planners NEWS-ITEM-Good-Planning....jpg NEWS-ITEM-Good-Planning....jpg 1/1

27 June 2018 < Back Cities as Drivers of Economic Growth – Meeting with the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC 27 June 2018 Clive Harridge joined representatives from The Prince’s Foundation, the Commonwealth Association of Architects and the Commonwealth Local Government Forum in a meeting with The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth at Marlborough House, London to discuss the opportunity provided by urbanisation to help deliver the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. They also discussed the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation, the need to build capacity, strengthen built environment policy and develop toolkits which are of practical use by communities and city leaders throughout the Commonwealth. The Secretary-General recognised that ‘Cities are one of the drivers of economic growth ’ and offered her support to drive forward the cities agenda. The meeting also provided an opportunity for Clive Harridge to present CAPs Survey of the Planning Profession in the Commonwealth which was highly praised. 2018-CAP-Cities-as-drivers-of-2....jpg 2018-CAP-Cities-as-drivers-of....jpg 2018-CAP-Cities-as-drivers-of-2....jpg 1/2

SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE ACTION The fastest population growth and urbanisation are occurring in regions that are also among the most vulnerable to climate change and extreme weather events. Good planning is essential to creating resilient, inclusive and sustainable communities. Together with our partners, CAP is advancing integrated planning approaches that address climate change, sustainable urbanisation and housing challenges across the Commonwealth. Sustainable Cities CAP is a founding partner of the Commonwealth Sustainable Cities Initiative (CSCI) It is a collaboration of Commonwealth organisations working to promote sustainable urbanisation through integrated planning, local governance, education and professional practice. Together, the partners developed the Call to Action on Sustainable Urbanisation and championed its adoption across the Commonwealth. In June 2022, Commonwealth Heads of Government adopted a Declaration on Sustainable Urbanisation , recognising the need for integrated approaches to deliver safe, inclusive and sustainable development while strengthening capacity of cities to respond to climate change and rapid urbanisation. In June 2023, CAP and its CSCI partners —the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) and the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF)—signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration in advancing sustainable urbanisation across the Commonwealth. Read more . Building on these achievements, the partners have launched the Commonwealth Sustainable Cities Coalition (CSCC) Pilot Programme , moving from policy development to implementation through collaborative action on integrated planning, housing, urban finance and capacity development. As lead of the Integrated Planning Action Group, CAP worked with partners to develop practical guidance, case studies and knowledge resources that strengthen planning practice and support sustainable urbanisation across the Commonwealth. Climate Action CAP can make a continuing contribution to addressing the challenges of a changing climate through the expertise and leadership of professional planners across the Commonwealth. CAP can be especially effective in advancing climate change adaptation, mitigation and community resilience through planning policy and practice. Following the work of CAP's Climate Action Working Group , the CAP Climate Action Policy was adopted in 2024.

12 November 2018 < Back What are the key issues, barriers and solutions in engaging young people in the development process? - Call for Examples and Best Practice 12 November 2018 At the CAP Business Meeting and Planning Africa Conference in Cape Town South Africa CAP Young Planners launched a new Call for Practice and Examples. We would like to hear your examples and practice about how you have engaged Young People in the Development Process. What have you done in your city? What ideas have been effective? This builds on the principles in the CAP Youth Manifesto created in April 2018: We believe, the Commonwealth member states should actively engage Young People in the creation of their future cities Young people should be provided with the resources, and guidance required to set up and grow cross-sector networking organisations across the Commonwealth to collectively strengthen their own voice. Promotion of exchange of ideas across nation states to build one another’s capacity and address economic, social and environmental challenges. Do you have an effective tool that others can use and learn from? The objective of this toolkit is: For more young people to understand the key issues around urbanization and be involved in the development process For all Planners/Planning Practitioners/Built Environment Professions to shape Young Peoples involvement in the development process. Raise the profile of SDG 11 with Young People Give professionals the tools, advice and guidance to help young people to be involved throughout the development process Please send your short essays to viral.desai.cap@outlook.com by the 14th December 2018 Download Call for Examples and Best Practice 2018-MANIFESTO-Powering-Our-Common-Future-Thumb.jpg 2018-MANIFESTO-Powering-Our-Common-Future-Thumb.jpg 1/1

By Trudi Elliot CBE, CAP Patron < Back CAP Awards and Young Planners Essay Competition 28 July 2020 By Trudi Elliot CBE, CAP Patron The Commonwealth Association of Planners (CAP) Awards for Outstanding Planning Achievement in the Commonwealth seek to champion the best examples of planning practice in the Commonwealth. The Young planners essay competition has sought over many years to show case the innovation and solution focus of planners across the Commonwealth in the early stages of their professional lives. The Commonwealth Association of Planners (CAP) Awards for Outstanding Planning Achievement in the Commonwealth seek to champion the best examples of planning practice in the Commonwealth. The Awards aim to disseminate outstanding Commonwealth planning practice, highlight applicability across different Commonwealth countries and demonstrate the valuable role that planners and planning have in helping to create resilient and sustainable communities and adequate shelter for all in the Commonwealth. The Young planners essay competition has sought over many years to show case the innovation and solution focus of planners across the Commonwealth in the early stages of their professional lives. CAP has seen both as having a valuable role in promoting the ways in which the science and art of planning can benefit the public and improve the well-being of society in the Commonwealth. Clearly this is even more important at this time of global stress as we grapple with the short and long term effects Covid-19, the climate emergency and the aspiration of building an equitable world for all as laid out in UN sustainable development goals. Whilst the young planners essay competition is long established CAP launched its first wider planning awards in 2018 and received 20 entries from 6 CAP countries. In 2019 the volume of entries increased to 30 from the following Ghana, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Sierra Leone, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, St Lucia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Antigua and Barbuda, St Vincent & the Grenadines. The resulting award winners can be found on the CAP website here . Entries for both have underlined the diversity of challenges and planning solutions and the role planners can play different in settings, policy contexts and resource environments across the commonwealth and the lessons that can be shared. This year the Young Planners essay competition theme is “Post Covid Building Resilience: The Role of Planners in the Commonwealth.” The Covid-19 global pandemic has put an immense pressure on all facets of human settlements. The impact of the crisis has been compounded by the pre-existing myriad complex challenges in communities. As the governments of the Commonwealth countries ease lockdown measures, this situation presents an opportunity to establish safe, resilient, inclusive and healthy human settlements. It demands meaningful engagement across communities, disciplines and sectors. It is time to consider the vital role of planning in rebuilding our human settlements. Young Planners have a crucial responsibility to contribute to rebuilding the economies and human settlements sustainably without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. For 2020 CAP has decided to have 5 award categories to build on past success and encourage a diversity of entries including from places and planners who might not have thought to enter before. The categories chosen build on the breadth of previous entries and are particularly important to what planners and the communities they serve are grappling with in the Commonwealth: Planning for the climate emergency The Climate emergency is a critical global challenge. This award will recognise the role planning and planners can play addressing it within the Commonwealth. Planning for cities and human settlements/ plan making in the Commonwealth This award will recognise the role that plans, plan making, and the delivery of a plan can make to planning for cities and human settlements within the commonwealth. Planning with limited/scarce resources This is a key issue within the Commonwealth this award will demonstrate that often despite serious resource constraints planning within the commonwealth can make a key difference. Commonwealth Planning Inclusion /diversity /engagement This award will show case both practical innovative approaches that promote meaningful engagement in planning and encourage inclusive approach that reflects the diverse experience and needs of communities and individuals. Women in Planning This award will showcase those projects that exemplify the values and objectives put forth in the Commonwealth Women in Planning Manifesto . It will showcase plans, policies, and programs that support the specific needs of self-identified women who are living and working in the built environment. As an International organisation CAP is used to running both competitions virtually so we are able to run both this year and are launching our call for entries. Details of both together with entry forms and guidance are available on the CAP website (insert link). We have increased the number of judges who come from different Commonwealth institutes and different sectors. We are grateful to them all. There has never been a more important time to share the best of planning, to celebrate what planners can do and to learn from the innovation, resolve and professionalism we see in the entries. Entering can also help entrants reflect on what they achieved, what they did, what they learnt and what difference a project, activity or collaboration made. The award winners and commendations will be announced at a virtual event supporting World Town Planning Day which is on 8th November 2020. We look forward to receiving your entry. Previous Back to Top Next

CAP's Young Planners’ Network connects and mobilises planning students and young planners across the Commonwealth, bringing a youth perspective to the work of CAP. YOUNG PLANNERS YPtop The CAP Young Planners’ Network connects and mobilises planning students and young planners across the Commonwealth to help address the needs of young planners and youth more generally, and to contribute a youth perspective to the work of CAP. CAP is a co-founding member of the Commonwealth Youth for Sustainable Urbanisation Network. If you are a young planning student/professional (aged 15-35), you can be too! LEARN MORE . You are eligible to join CAP's Young Planners’ Network if you are a planning student or have less than 10 years post qualification experience. Go to: Aims and Objectives Priorities Thematic Topics Activities Connect with us Get in touch CAP Essay 2020 Winners AimsObjectives 2023 has been declared a year dedicated to youth-led action for sustainable and inclusive development. Learn more Aims and Objectives Inspire Young people are attracted to the Planning profession and the association. Improve Young planners are equipped to confidently meet the immediate needs and future demands of their communities and the global world. Influence The value and purpose of planning is recognised locally, nationally, globally across sectors and other Commonwealth Nations join the association. BACK TO TOP Priorities Connect Provide a platform for members to support each other, network, develop skills and capacity, exchange and share information/ideas, build professional knowledge and ethical practice. Campaign Raise the profile of planning profession and the importance of engaging young people and young planners from conception to delivery Collaborate Work together with other professionals, relevant national, Commonwealth and international governmental and nongovernmental organisations. Contribute Actively participate in improving the quality of life and well-being of communities BACK TO TOP Thematic Topics Planning and Public Health Climate Action and Biodiversity Gains New Urban Agenda and Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals Disaster management and Humanitarian Response The Planning System and children/Young People Urban Resilience Rapid Urbanisation Rural-Urban Migration Planning Education Planning Profession and Capacity Building Planning Profession and Young People Leave no one and no place behind – Improve the quality of life and experiences of all particularly young people. Professional and Career Development Support BACK TO TOP Activities Webinars Virtual Study Tours Training Events CPD Sessions Networking Sessions Mapathon Social events BACK TO TOP Connect with Us Let’s have a chat, share your stories, ideas and achievements to inspire others on our social media platforms: Twitter - @CAPYoungPlan Facebook Page - @YPCAP Facebook Group – CAP Young Planners Network Instagram – @capyoungplanners LinkedIn Page – www.linkedin.com/company/capyoungplannersnetwork LinkedIn Group – CAP Young Planners Network BACK TO TOP Get in touch Our activities are planned by the steering group and sub-groups who meet regularly to organise and discuss future activities. Sub-groups are run by volunteers and always looking for new members to join. We are interested in articles and papers you have written about Planning in your country or work and if you have an idea for events or would just like to get more involved in the network, email me at capyoungplannersnetwork@gmail.com . I look forward to hearing from you and sharing any ideas you have. BACK TO TOP Priorities ThematicTopics Activities Connect Olafiyin Taiwo CAP Young Planners Network Coordinator capyoungplannersnetwork@gmail.com Previous YP News 2020 CAP Young Planners Essay Competition Winner s CAP congratulates the winners of the 2020 Commonwealth Young Planners’ Network Essay Competition. The winners were announced in a special web-based event on World Town Planning Day, 8th November 2020, hosted by CAP President, Mrs Dyan Currie AM. In her remarks, the winner, Kloe Ng of Singapore Institute of Planners said “Thank you for this award. Whilst it has been a tumultuous year, Planners have undoubtedly risen to the challenge.” To read their essays, click on the winners names: 1st Place: Kloe Ng (Singapore) 2nd Place: Wendy Jo Misfud (Malta) 3rd Place: Olumuyiwa Ojelade (Nigeria) 4th Place: Olasunkanmi Habeeb Okunola (Nigeria) 5th Place: Maddi Marks (Australia) CAP Young Planners Essay Competition 2020 sought entries from Young Planners on the critical theme of “Post Covid Building Resilience: The Role of Planners in the Commonwealth”. Prizes of £100, £60 and £30 in vouchers to the 3 best entries. See the full details of the Call for Entries See the SHORTLIST for the CAP Young Planners Essay Competition 2020, announced on Oct 13, 2020 Faces of CAP Young Planners Network June 21, 2020 Moments that tell stories… At CAP Young Planners Network, we are currently working on new content and extending our reach to Young People and other Young Planners. But we need your help! ... Full details LatestYPNews

14 July 2015 < Back Meet CAP's New President 14 July 2015 Dy is the Director of Planning and Environment at the City of Gold Coast (Australia’s second largest local authority) and has extensive experience in leadership and management in strategic planning, business process improvements and development assessmen Dy is the Immediate Past National President and a Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia and the current President of the Commonwealth Association of Planners representing 40,000 planners across the Commonwealth. Dy is also the Director of Planning and Environment at the City of Gold Coast (Australia’s second largest local authority) and has extensive experience in leadership and management in strategic planning, business process improvements and development assessment. She has a strong track record of delivering major projects across a diverse range of planning programs and enjoys a strong professional network across all levels of government, the development industry and the planning profession. Dy is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Southern Queensland and a Lifetime Honorary Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute. She is also a Fellow of the Urban Development Institute of Australia and is known for her commitment to working with the Development Industry and for her proactive attitude and results driven approach Dyan Currie, FPIA HonRTPI FDIA Former-President-Dy-Currie.png Former-President-Dy-Currie.png 1/1