The 13th BRICS Urbanisation Forum commenced in New Delhi on Thursday under India’s BRICS Chairship for 2026, bringing together ministers, senior officials, and urban development experts from member nations to discuss the future of sustainable and inclusive cities.
Hosted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the two-day forum is being held at Sushma Swaraj Bhavan and features participation from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The event was inaugurated by Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal, who emphasized the importance of placing urban development at the center of global growth discussions. The forum’s theme, “Cities for People: BRICS Cooperation for Inclusive and Resilient Urban Futures,” focuses on addressing common urban challenges through collaboration, innovation, and sustainable planning.
During the inaugural session, Manohar Lal released India’s Urban Transformation: Stories of Change, a publication showcasing successful urban initiatives and development experiences from various states and Union Territories. The minister highlighted inclusive urban growth, climate-resilient infrastructure, institutional strengthening, and digital innovation as key pillars of India’s urban development strategy.
A high-level plenary session followed, providing member countries an opportunity to share experiences, discuss urban challenges, and explore future cooperation in areas such as sustainable infrastructure, affordable housing, governance, and technology-driven urban solutions.
On the sidelines of the forum, India and Russia held bilateral discussions on strengthening cooperation in sustainable urban development. The talks focused on finalizing a proposed Memorandum of Understanding covering urban planning, affordable housing, municipal infrastructure, sustainable construction technologies, and capacity building. Additional bilateral meetings took place between Iran and Russia, Iran and China, and Russia and the United Arab Emirates.
Delegates also visited key landmarks in New Delhi, including the New Parliament Complex and the India Gate–Kartavya Path precinct, to gain insights into India’s urban transformation efforts.
The forum will conclude with further discussions on strengthening cooperation among BRICS nations to build resilient, inclusive, and future-ready cities.
