Mumbai, Aug 11 (IANS) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde said on Tuesday that BRICS countries should share advanced technology, experiences, knowledge and information with one another.
Such mutual cooperation will bring countries closer, give a real impetus to global development and enable every city to achieve sustainable development, the Deputy Chief Minister added.
Speaking as the Chief Guest at the ‘BRICS Friendship Cities Conclave 2026’ organised in Mumbai, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde called upon cities from BRICS countries to share their experiences, technologies and innovations to build citizen-centric cities for the 21st century through resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.
“Cities are not merely structures of brick and concrete; they are the growth engines of a country’s economic progress. Therefore, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised, urbanisation should be viewed not as a problem but as a major opportunity. Since cities across the world face similar challenges today, solutions to these challenges must also be explored by going beyond national boundaries,” he said.
He called upon cities in BRICS countries to pave the way for development through mutual cooperation.
Representatives of cities from BRICS countries, Mayors, urban planning experts and eminent personalities from the field of urban development are participating in the conclave.
Describing Mumbai as the capital of India’s aspirations, a city that respects hard work, values diversity and possesses an unwavering determination to face challenges, Deputy CM Shinde said that hosting the BRICS conclave in such a global city was a matter of pride for Maharashtra.
He called upon cities from different countries to learn from one another, share their experiences and give a new direction to future partnerships.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has put forward the vision of viewing urbanisation not as a problem but as a major opportunity. Today, every major city across the world faces common challenges such as rapid urbanisation, climate change, floods, heatwaves, traffic congestion, pollution, water management and the need for affordable housing. Therefore, mutual cooperation and exchange of experiences beyond national boundaries are essential to find solutions to these challenges,” he added.
Deputy CM Shinde noted that urban development should not be limited merely to tall buildings or attractive skylines.
“Ease of commuting for citizens, access to safe housing, clean air, better opportunities for children and firm administrative support during disasters are the true parameters of successful urban planning,” he said.
He emphasised that urban development must be linked to the dignity of citizens and the opportunities available to future generations.
Maharashtra is taking steps towards sustainable urban development, strong infrastructure, digital governance and climate-responsive planning, he added.
“From Mumbai to Nagpur, Pune to Nashik, and in cities, including Thane and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, new momentum is being given to metros, roads, drainage, redevelopment, affordable housing, digital services, green infrastructure and disaster management,” the Deputy CM said.
“The central objective of all this development is to improve citizens’ quality of life. Equal opportunities, accessibility of services, quality infrastructure and the trust created among citizens are the true measures of inclusive development. Development must reach the last person in society and create new opportunities for future generations,” he added.
Climate change is a serious challenge for a coastal city like Mumbai, Deputy CM Shinde said, adding that rising sea levels, flood risks and increasing temperatures affect not only the safety of citizens but also the city’s economy.
“Against this backdrop, the state government is taking concrete steps in the areas of flood control, coastal protection, expansion of green cover, rainwater management, sustainable transport and technology-driven planning,” he added.
Deputy CM Shinde said that Maharashtra is reliable for investment, capable for industry, open to innovation and always ready for cooperation.
“Cities are not merely administrative boundaries; they are laboratories of innovation and engines of sustainable development. Therefore, there is a need to give broader scope to international cooperation for the development of cities,” he added.
–IANS
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