BRICS Nations Adopt People-Centric Urban Development Declaration at Forum in New Delhi
BRICS member nations adopted a Ministerial Declaration on inclusive, resilient, and people-centred urban development at the conclusion of a two-day Urbanisation Forum in New Delhi on June 12, 2026. 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 a proposed BRICS Urban Research and Knowledge Network signal a commitment to sustained institutional cooperation on urban policy among member nations.
The 13th BRICS Urbanisation Forum concluded in New Delhi on June 12, 2026, with member nations adopting a Ministerial Declaration reaffirming commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and liveable cities that ensure equitable access to housing, infrastructure, and urban services, particularly for marginalised groups. Hosted by India's Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs under India's 2026 BRICS chairship, the forum was themed 'Cities for People: BRICS Cooperation for Inclusive and Resilient Urban Futures.' Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar highlighted urbanisation as a common challenge across BRICS nations, noting that while roughly 35% of India's population currently lives in urban areas, UN projections suggest that figure could exceed 70% in coming decades. The declaration also called for strengthening local governments, promoting climate-resilient urban development, and leveraging digital technologies for improved governance and citizen services. A notable outcome was member countries' welcome of India's proposal to establish a 'BRICS Urban Research and Knowledge Network,' designed as a virtual, low-cost platform for applied urban research, knowledge sharing, and peer-to-peer learning, to be coordinated annually by the lead institution of the BRICS chair country. The forum also produced a compilation of good practices from member nations 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 other BRICS member nations' ministers attended or whether all member states formally endorsed every element of the declaration, nor do they detail any dissenting views or reservations expressed during the forum's deliberations.
How coverage differed
Both outlets reported the story from a broadly similar, neutral angle; The Hindu provided more institutional detail, including specifics on the proposed BRICS Urban Research and Knowledge Network and the forum's full theme title, while the Times of India focused more on Khattar's direct quotes and India's urbanisation statistics.
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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