BRICS Nations Adopt Urban Development Declaration Under India's Chairship

Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal inaugurated the forum and highlighted the growing importance of urban issues in shaping global development.

The 13th BRICS Urbanisation Forum concluded in New Delhi on Thursday with member nations adopting a Ministerial Declaration that reinforces their commitment to building cities that are inclusive, resilient and focused on improving the lives of people.

Hosted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs under India's BRICS Chairship for 2026, the two-day gathering brought together ministers, senior officials and urban development experts from BRICS countries. The discussions centred on the theme, 'Cities for People: BRICS Cooperation for Inclusive and Resilient Urban Futures.'

Focus on Inclusive and Resilient Urban Growth

Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal inaugurated the forum and highlighted the growing importance of urban issues in shaping global development. He underlined the need for cities that can provide better opportunities for citizens while remaining prepared for climate-related risks, natural disasters and rapid population growth.

During the opening session, the minister released India's Urban Transformation: Stories of Change, a publication showcasing urban development initiatives undertaken by states and union territories. Representatives from participating countries also shared their priorities and experiences in managing urbanisation through a high-level plenary session.

Urban Solutions Shared Across BRICS Nations

Delegates visited several landmark projects in and around New Delhi, including the New Parliament Complex and the India Gate-Kartavya Path precinct, giving participants a closer look at India's recent urban infrastructure initiatives.

The second day featured discussions on equitable urban development, stronger governance systems and the role of innovation in improving city life. Officials from BRICS countries exchanged views on expanding access to housing, mobility, public services, livelihoods and public spaces, especially for communities that often face barriers in accessing urban opportunities.

Speaking during one of the sessions, Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Srinivas Katikithala said the real measure of urban development lies in how effectively cities use resources to improve people's quality of life. Delegates also discussed ways to combine social inclusion with climate resilience so that cities can better protect residents and critical infrastructure.

Stronger Institutions Seen as Key to Future Cities

Another panel discussion focused on improving urban governance and strengthening institutions responsible for managing growing cities. Participants examined how municipal bodies can build capacity, improve coordination across government levels and make better use of technology and data-driven decision-making.

Additional Secretary D. Thara noted that innovations create greater impact when institutions are capable of scaling them across cities and regions. Representatives shared examples of successful local initiatives and explored ways to adapt those solutions in different urban environments.

Alongside the main sessions, several bilateral meetings took place between participating countries, reflecting growing cooperation on urban development and related policy areas.

New BRICS Urban Network Proposed

The major outcome of the forum was support for India's proposal to establish the BRICS Urban Research and Knowledge Network. The proposed platform will encourage applied research, knowledge exchange and peer learning among member nations while helping bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation.

Designed as a virtual and low-cost mechanism, the network will allow cities and institutions across BRICS countries to share practical experiences, operational lessons and successful urban solutions. The coordinating responsibility will pass to the lead institution of each BRICS Chair country annually. The forum also released a compilation titled Cities for People: Urban Stories from BRICS Nations, highlighting successful urban practices from member countries.

In his closing remarks, Manohar Lal stressed the importance of sustained cooperation among BRICS nations and called for continued engagement among cities and institutions even after India's Chairship concludes. The outcomes of the forum are expected to contribute to a shared roadmap for developing cities that are more inclusive, sustainable, resilient and better governed.