The 13th BRICS Urbanisation Forum emphasized the importance of creating inclusive, sustainable, resilient and liveable cities to ensure equitable access to urban services particularly for marginalised groups. The two day meeting concluded today in New Delhi with adoption of the Urban Ministerial Declaration. The declaration highlights key priorities shared by member nations and reaffirms commitment to advancing people-centred urban development.
The Forum was convened by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, under India’s BRICS Chairship. It was held on the theme, ‘Cities for People: BRICS Cooperation for Inclusive and Resilient Urban Futures.’
Delegations from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates participated in the Forum. Briefing media in New Delhi, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal said that over the course of the forum, each country delegation presented its national priorities, policy approaches and institutional experience in managing urbanisation. He added that delegations highlighted a wide range of national initiatives and policy approaches. These included programmes for affordable housing, slum upgrading, public transport, climate adaptation, sustainable infrastructure, water security, solid waste management, urban renewal, land management, municipal reform, and the use of technology in urban governance.
