Commonwealth Association of Planners
Advancing professional planning globally
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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.
