EU-India Urban Forum Advances Sustainable City Development Partnership

New Delhi, Feb 14 (KNN) The 4th India-EU Urban Forum convened on Thursday, building upon the foundation laid by the 2017 joint declaration on partnership for smart and sustainable urbanisation. 

The forum served as a platform for officials and experts from India, the European Union, and EU Member States to exchange insights on sustainable urban development policies and practices, aligning with the EU's global gateway strategy in India.

The forum centered on three primary themes: urban alliance and integrated approaches in Indian cities, innovation and circularity promotion at the city level, and inclusive urban mobility as a social enabler. 

These discussions aimed to advance transformative initiatives and innovative financing mechanisms that support gender-inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban development, according to the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry.

The significance of this collaboration is underscored by the fact that urban areas are responsible for two-thirds of global energy consumption, emissions, and pollution. 

Since its inception in 2017, the partnership has made substantial progress in promoting sustainable cities models, facilitating public-private investments, and addressing climate action and disaster risk reduction. 

Team Europe has successfully engaged with more than 40 Indian municipalities, helping them develop expertise in climate-smart development, urban mobility solutions, waste management, and climate action planning.

European Union Ambassador to India Herve Delphin emphasized the partnership's achievements, noting that the EU has committed significant resources to support India's urban development since 2017. 

He revealed that investments of over EUR 45 million have successfully leveraged more than EUR 1 billion in capital for sustainable urbanisation initiatives. 

Delphin also announced plans to continue these efforts through 2025-2027, highlighting specific improvements in eco-design, waste disposal, water recycling, and metro financing.

Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Srinivas Katikithala reinforced India's dedication to urban innovation during the forum. He highlighted how Indian cities are actively implementing smart solutions, developing green infrastructure, and creating inclusive policies to ensure sustainable urbanisation benefits future generations.

(KNN Bureau)