BRICS Adopts Declaration on Inclusive Urban Futures
India's proposal for BRICS Urban Research Network receives backing from member nations
- 13th BRICS Urbanisation Forum concludes in New Delhi
- Ministerial Declaration adopted on inclusive and resilient cities
- India proposes BRICS Urban Research and Knowledge Network
- BRICS nations showcase urban success stories and best practices
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 12th June: The 13th BRICS Urbanisation Forum concluded in New Delhi on Friday with member nations adopting a Ministerial Declaration aimed at promoting inclusive, resilient and people-centred urban development across the BRICS bloc.
Hosted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs under India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026, the two-day forum brought together ministers, senior government officials and urban experts from member countries under the theme, “Cities for People: BRICS Cooperation for Inclusive and Resilient Urban Futures.”
Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal, who inaugurated the forum, emphasized the need to place urban development more firmly within the global development agenda. He highlighted inclusive growth, climate-resilient infrastructure, stronger institutions and digital innovation as key pillars of India’s urban transformation strategy.
During the event, the Minister released a publication titled “India’s Urban Transformation: Stories of Change,” showcasing successful urban initiatives from states and Union Territories across the country.
The forum featured high-level discussions on equitable urban growth, resilient infrastructure, municipal governance and technology-driven service delivery. Delegates exchanged experiences on improving access to housing, mobility, livelihoods and public services while addressing challenges posed by climate change and rapid urbanisation.
Representing India, Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Srinivas Katikithala stressed the importance of efficient and equitable use of resources to improve quality of life in cities. Additional Secretary D. Thara highlighted the need for strong institutions capable of scaling successful urban innovations.
A key outcome of the forum was the adoption of the Ministerial Declaration, which reaffirmed BRICS nations’ commitment to creating inclusive, sustainable, resilient and liveable cities with equitable access to urban services, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized communities.
The forum also presented a compilation of successful urban initiatives from member countries titled “Cities for People: Urban Stories from BRICS Nations.”
In a major initiative, BRICS nations welcomed India’s proposal to establish the BRICS Urban Research and Knowledge Network, a platform designed to promote applied urban research, knowledge sharing and peer-to-peer learning among member countries.
The proposed network will operate as a low-cost, virtual and institutionally connected platform, facilitating the exchange of practical solutions, city-level experiences and implementation strategies while strengthening cooperation among BRICS nations on urban development issues.
The forum also witnessed bilateral meetings among participating countries, including discussions involving India, Russia, Iran, China and the United Arab Emirates on the sidelines of the event.
In his valedictory address, Manohar Lal called for sustained cooperation beyond India’s BRICS Chairship and urged member nations to carry forward the spirit of collaboration through continued institutional engagement and city-to-city partnerships.
The outcomes of the forum are expected to contribute to a shared roadmap for building cities that are more inclusive, sustainable, resilient and effectively governed across BRICS nations.
