BRICS Nations Adopt People-Centric Urban Development Declaration at Forum in New Delhi
BRICS member nations adopted an Urban Ministerial Declaration at the conclusion of a two-day Urbanisation Forum in New Delhi on June 12, 2026, committing to inclusive, resilient, and people-centred urban development. The forum, hosted by India under its BRICS chairship and themed 'Cities for People,' brought together ministers and urban experts to address shared challenges including rapid urban growth, infrastructure gaps, and climate risks. The declaration and the proposed BRICS Urban Research and Knowledge Network signal a push for sustained institutional cooperation on urban policy among member nations.
At the 13th BRICS Urbanisation Forum held in New Delhi, member nations formally adopted a Ministerial Declaration emphasising equitable access to housing, infrastructure, and urban services, with particular focus on marginalised and vulnerable groups. Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar presided over the forum and stressed that city planning must be people-centric and responsive to citizens' needs. He noted that while only about 35% of India's population currently lives in urban areas, UN projections suggest this could exceed 70% in coming decades, making sustainable planning a critical priority. The declaration also called for strengthening local governments, promoting climate-resilient development, and leveraging digital technologies for improved governance. A notable outcome was member countries welcoming India's proposal to establish the 'BRICS Urban Research and Knowledge Network,' designed as a virtual, low-cost platform for applied urban research, knowledge sharing, and peer-to-peer learning coordinated annually by the chair country's lead institution. The forum also produced a compilation of good practices titled 'Cities for People: Urban Stories from BRICS Nations.' Khattar called for the forum's discussions to be carried forward through sustained institutional engagement beyond India's chairship.
What's missing
The articles do not specify which BRICS member nations were represented at ministerial level, nor do they detail any binding commitments or funding mechanisms attached to the declaration or the proposed Knowledge Network.
What different sources said
- The HinduCenter
BRICS nations adopt resolution on people-centric urban development
- Times of IndiaCenter
Planning of cities must be people-centric, says Khattar as Brics forum adopts urban pact
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