The 13th BRICS Urbanisation Forum, hosted at Sushma Swaraj Bhavan in New Delhi, has been inaugurated by Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal. The two-day event has gathered ministers, officials, and experts from BRICS nations and partner countries. This marks India’s fourth time hosting the Forum, with the central theme focusing on ‘Cities for People: BRICS Cooperation for Inclusive and Resilient Urban Futures.’
Manohar Lal highlighted the significance of integrating the urban agenda into global development discussions at the event. He outlined inclusive urban development, climate- and disaster-resilient infrastructure, institutional strengthening, and digital innovation as key aspects of India’s growth narrative. The Forum has been a platform for exchanging best practices, enhancing mutual understanding of governance systems, and fostering long-term collaboration among member countries.
During the inaugural session, a publication titled ‘India’s Urban Transformation: Stories of Change’ was released by Manohar Lal. This document showcases successful urban initiatives and experiences from various states and Union Territories across the Forum’s priority areas. Member nations engaged in a high-level plenary session to discuss common urban challenges, future prospects, and collective aspirations, chaired by Manohar Lal.
India and Russia held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines, focusing on sustainable urban development. The discussions aimed at finalizing a memorandum of understanding soon, covering topics such as urban planning, affordable housing, municipal infrastructure, sustainable construction technologies, capacity building, and governance best practices. Additionally, bilateral talks occurred between Iran and Russia, Iran and China, and Russia and the United Arab Emirates. Delegates also visited significant urban projects in and around New Delhi to witness India’s urban transformation firsthand.
