Urban Planning

Innovative approaches to urban development are required to meet sustainability challenges facing many Commonwealth countries. Those countries experiencing high rates of urbanisation and new slum formation often have limited professional urban planners and outdated planning legislation in place. Increasing the number of planners and equipping them with skills appropriate to today’s urban development challenges are a priority.

Urban Planning capacity-building

The Commonwealth Secretariat works with partners, to build the capacity of urban planners in Commonwealth countries.  A review of planning education across the Commonwealth, carried out by the Commonwealth Association of Planners (CAP) and the Secretariat demonstrates the need for accreditation and gap-filling in planning education to help strengthen the capacity of planning institutions in developing countries, and the need for continued learning amongst developing country planners.  | Read report >

Through its networks, the Commonwealth promotes holistic, strategic planning of urban environments by sharing good practice and the development of skills. The approach incorporates aspects such as inclusive governance approaches, development of new planning skills appropriate to the 21st Century, risk reduction and building resilience, and a focus on local economic development.