NEW DELHI: In a significant step toward strengthening urban cooperation, member countries at the 13th BRICS Urbanisation Forum adopted the Urban Ministerial Declaration, reaffirming their shared commitment to building inclusive, sustainable, resilient, and people-centred urban development.
The declaration emerged as the key outcome of the forum, where representatives from BRICS nations discussed pressing urban challenges and explored collaborative solutions for the future of rapidly growing cities. The member nations emphasized that urban development must focus on improving the quality of life for citizens while ensuring equitable access to essential services, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable communities.
The two-day forum concluded on Friday. The event was convened by the ministry of housing and urban affairs under India’s BRICS chairship. Delegations from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South America and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) participated in the Forum, alongside India as the host nation.
While briefing about the outcome, Lal said that at the Forum 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, municipal reforms, solid waste management and use of technology in urban governance.
To take forward the learnings of the Forum, India proposed establishment of the ‘BRICS Urban Research and Knowledge Network’, which was appreciated by the member nations. This Network will be a chair-led institutionally connected knowledge mechanism for applied urban research knowledge sharing and peer-to-peer learning.
“The Network will support systematic knowledge-sharing and mutual learning, while helping bridge the gap between policy and implementation through the exchange of practical solutions, city-level experiences and operational lessons. Operating through a virtual, low-cost and flexible model, the Network will be coordinated each year by the lead institution of the BRICS Chair country, with activities and outputs handed over to the next Chairship,” said Lal.
A major theme of the discussions was climate resilience, which delegates identified as a critical urban priority. Participants noted that cities are increasingly facing threats from extreme heat, flooding, water scarcity, air pollution, coastal risks, and other climate-related hazards. The forum called for integrating climate considerations into urban planning, infrastructure development, housing, land use, mobility, and service delivery systems.
The declaration further recognized the growing importance of strong local governments, digital innovation, and citizen-centred governance in shaping future cities.
During the forum, member countries also showcased successful urban initiatives through a publication titled “Cities for People: Urban Stories from BRICS Nations,” which compiles best practices and innovative approaches adopted across BRICS cities.
The outcomes of the two-day Forum will contribute to a shared roadmap for BRICS nations to build cities that are inclusive, resilient, sustainable and well governed, added Lal.
