Agreement to Help Launch Africa Sustainability Campaign

Washington, D.C. – May 18, 2015 – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Africa Union of Architects (AUA) today announced the signing of a cooperative agreement to share practice tools and resources, creating a framework for American and African architects to work collaboratively in achieving development and infrastructure goals in Africa.

The AIA and AUA signed the cooperative agreement at the 2015 AIA Convention in Atlanta. The agreement articulates their mutual interests to advance the “Africa Sustainability Campaign” in spirit of the 2014 U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit in Washington, DC.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to reinvigorate and formalize the AIA's relationship with our colleagues in Africa,” said AIA 2015 President, Elizabeth Chu Richter, FAIA. “We look forward to increased knowledge sharing on topics such as health and resilience which are critical to the sustainable future of our planet."

"The Africa Union of Architects will partner with the American Institute of Architects to help develop the use of Africa's local materials and encourage sustainable research to advance recycling and energy conservation,” said AUA President Tokunbo Omisore. “The built environment can create employment opportunities for young Africans, among other mutual benefits.”

About The American Institute of Architects
Founded in 1857, the American Institute of Architects consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders, and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.

About the Africa Union of Architects
The Africa Union of Architects was inaugurated in Nigeria on May 23, 1981 by his Excellency Alhaji Shehu Shagari, former President of Nigeria, to unite architects from all over the continent regardless of nationality, race, religion or doctrine, and to federate their national organizations.

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