KIGALI: The Institute of Architects Pakistan (IAP) has announced the successful conclusion of the 2024 Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) Symposium and General Assembly, held in Kigali, Rwanda.
According to a press release on Wednesday the event hosted by the Rwanda Institute of Architects, gathered over 300 delegates from across the world to discuss the critical theme, “Education, Policy, and Practice: Advancing the Declaration on Sustainable Urbanisation in the Commonwealth.”
The IAP celebrated its achievements during the Gala Dinner, where 16 Pakistani students were honored with prestigious awards. Among them, three students—Waleed Ashfaque (COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore), Noman Awan, and Nihal Ahmed—received regional awards, while thirteen students received commendation awards. These outstanding accomplishments were made possible under the mentorship of Kalim A. Siddiqui, the immediate Past President of CAA.
In addition, the CAA Robert Mathew Lifetime Achievement Award was given to renowned Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari for her contributions to the field of architecture. The jury, led by Dr. Sajida Haider Vandal, recognized her extraordinary work, raising Pakistan’s profile on the international stage.
The symposium also marked a significant moment for the Institute of Architects Pakistan with successful election outcomes. Maira Khan was elected Vice President for the Asia Region and Umar Saeed was appointed as Chair of the Education Committee.
The three-day event featured a dynamic agenda filled with keynote addresses, panel discussions, and exhibitions.
The opening ceremony featured addresses from Dr. Jack Ngarambe, Director General of Urbanisation, Housing, and Human Settlement. Keynote speakers Felix Okoboi and Mark Olweny. They offered valuable insights into urban sustainability and innovative architectural practices.
On the second day, the focus was shifted to architectural education and sustainability with a panel discussion on “Future Competencies for Praxis”.
The final day included a mixer on the Aga Khan Award for Architectural Education, followed by sessions on vertical farming, climate resilience, and educational frameworks. The event ended with an exhibition review and closing reception.
According to the press release the Institute of Architects Pakistan is committed to implementing the insights and resolutions from the 2024 CAA Symposium to promote sustainable urbanization practices and enhance architectural education within Pakistan and throughout the Commonwealth.
