Commonwealth Association of Architects celebrates its 60th Anniversary and reaffirms commitment to a prosperous, sustainable Commonwealth
The Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) today marks Commonwealth Day 2026, celebrating the global theme ‘Unlocking Opportunities Together for a Prosperous Commonwealth’ with a presidential statement reaffirming the critical role of architects and built environment professionals in shaping a resilient, equitable future for all 2.5 billion people across the Commonwealth’s 56 member nations.
The statement, issued by CAA President Steven Oundo, also marks a landmark year for the organisation as it celebrates its 60th Anniversary — six decades of advancing architectural excellence, fostering collaboration, and maximising the contribution of architects to the well-being of society.
“The buildings and cities we design are not merely structures — they are the physical expression of our shared values, our aspirations, and our commitment to one another.”
— Steven Oundo, President, Commonwealth Association of Architects
Sixty Years of Commonwealth Architecture
Established in 1965, the CAA this year reaches its 60th Anniversary — a milestone the organisation will celebrate at its General Assembly and Gala in Aotearoa New Zealand from 7–10 September 2026, in partnership with Te Kāhui Whaihanga, the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA). The Assembly will form part of the NZIA’s InSitu 2026 Architecture Conference.
The choice of Aotearoa as host is itself meaningful: the Greater Moana region offers a distinctive lens on indigenous design, sustainable place-making, and cultural integration in architecture — themes at the core of the CAA’s mission. The Assembly will bring together representatives of the CAA’s member bodies from across the Commonwealth for keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, and a Gala celebration.
Unlocking Opportunity: The Urbanisation Imperative
Commonwealth countries are forecast to account for nearly 50% of global urban growth over the next 30 years, with Africa alone set to add 800 million people to its cities by 2050. The CAA’s Survey of Built Environment Professionals have identified critical shortfalls in professional capacity in precisely those nations urbanising most rapidly — and most exposed to the consequences of climate change.
Through its Knowledge Sharing Partnerships, its refreshed Continuing Professional Development (CPD) platform, and its close collaboration with UN-Habitat and the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC), the CAA is working to equip practitioners across the Commonwealth with the skills and tools required to build cities that are safe, resilient, and sustainable. The CAA also holds special consultative status with the United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs (ECOSOC).
Climate Action: The Profession’s Defining Responsibility
The built environment is responsible for approximately 70% of global carbon emissions through design, construction, and operation. In his Commonwealth Day statement, President Oundo called on architects and built environment professionals across the Commonwealth to embrace carbon literacy as a professional imperative, to champion circular economy principles, and to use their influence to accelerate the transition to sustainable, resilient built environments.
He also called on Commonwealth governments to lead by example through public procurement and spatial planning policies, noting that “a prosperous and sustainable future are not competing goals — they are one and the same.”
Further Information
About the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA)
The CAA was established in 1965 to promote excellence in architecture and facilitate cooperation among architects across Commonwealth nations. It represents 46 architectural institutes and societies, holds special consultative status with ECOSOC, and partners closely with UN-Habitat and GlobalABC. Its 2024–2030 Strategy is built around three pillars: advocacy, capacity building, and climate action. The CAA is a registered UK charity (no. 288022).
About Commonwealth Day 2026
Commonwealth Day is celebrated annually across all 56 Commonwealth member nations. The 2026 theme, ‘Unlocking Opportunities Together for a Prosperous Commonwealth,’ aligns with the theme of CHOGM 2026, which will take place in Antigua and Barbuda from 1–4 November 2026.
CAA 60th Anniversary General Assembly
The CAA 60th Anniversary General Assembly and Gala will take place 7–10 September 2026 in Aotearoa New Zealand, hosted in partnership with Te Kāhui Whaihanga — the New Zealand Institute of Architects, as part of the NZIA InSitu 2026 Architecture Conference. Registration and programme details will be announced in early 2026.