The BRICS Urbanisation Forum, scheduled in New Delhi from June 11-12, is crucial amidst global urban growth challenges, according to Manohar Lal, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs. The event will emphasize inclusive urban development, climate-resilient infrastructure, municipal capacity, and digital innovation for enhanced urban governance.
Under India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026, the Forum aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Humanity First’ vision and the theme of ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability.’ This theme underscores India’s people-centric urban planning and development approach.
The Forum’s agenda includes an inaugural session, high-level plenary on shared urban priorities, field visits to urban transformation sites in New Delhi, and thematic panel discussions on priority areas. Member nations will engage in sharing experiences and bilateral discussions to enhance cooperation.
Deliberations at the Forum aim to foster policy solutions for urban challenges and promote cooperation among BRICS countries in developing inclusive, resilient, and people-oriented cities. India anticipates hosting delegates from the BRICS nations and collaborating on creating cities that prioritize the well-being of their residents.
The BRICS Urbanisation Forum, initiated by India in 2013, has been instrumental in placing urbanization on the BRICS cooperation agenda. Subsequent editions in 2016 and 2021 focused on sustainable urban development, smart cities, and urban recovery post-pandemic, respectively.
