BRICS Urbanisation Forum Adopts Declaration On Inclusive Urban Futures

The inaugural session included remarks by the Union Minister, who set inclusive urban development, climate- and disaster-resilient infrastructure, strengthened institutions and digital innovation as priorities. A publication titled India’s Urban Transformation: Stories of Change was released, presenting select practices from States and Union Territories across the Forum’s priority areas. A high-level plenary featured country statements and delegations undertook curated field visits to urban interventions around the capital.

The second day featured two panel discussions that addressed inclusive and resilient urban development, institutional strengthening and scaling innovations for people-centred cities. The first panel examined approaches to improve access to housing, mobility, basic services and public spaces for vulnerable and underserved communities and considered integration of social inclusion with climate resilience and disaster preparedness. India’s Secretary emphasised that urban success depends on efficient and equitable use of resources to improve quality of life.

The second panel explored how institutions can scale innovations, build municipal capacity and improve coordination across levels while using technology and data to enhance service delivery. India’s Additional Secretary said that future urban governance depends on institutions that can scale local innovations. Delegations exchanged experiences on municipal capacity building and adapting local solutions.

Member nations adopted the Ministerial Declaration, reaffirming commitment to people-centred, inclusive, sustainable and well governed cities that ensure equitable access to urban services for marginalised groups. The Forum presented a compilation of good practices and welcomed India’s proposal to establish the BRICS Urban Research and Knowledge Network (the Network), a Chairship-led platform to support applied urban research and peer-to-peer learning. The Network will operate virtually under annual coordination by the lead institution of the Chair country.