Urbanisation should be designed in such a way that it incorporates solutions to problems pertaining to climate change, public service and traffic among others, said Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel at the inaugural event of the U20 Mayoral Summit in Gandhinagar last week. “Development of every city is important to shape our future,” he said.
About 500 delegates from cities of G20 countries participated in the event. The U20 is an engagement group under India’s G20 presidency. It is a city diplomacy initiative emphasizing the role of cities in taking forward the global agenda for sustainable development through collaboration.
“With over 500 participants, including mayors, deputy mayors, and city officials, besides government delegates and knowledge partners, this is poised to become one of the largest U20 summits ever,” Union urban affairs ministry joint secretary Kunal Kumar said.
An exhibition showcasing India’s urban story, especially city-level successes, notable projects and innovative initiatives, were part of the event. Select films were screened to raise awareness about the multifaceted impacts of climate change on urban areas and vice versa.
Thematic sessions on the six U20 priority areas were organized at the summit. They included talks and presentations by mayors or equivalent city leaders from Tokyo, Riyadh, Paris, Surat, Srinagar, Amman, Los Angeles, New York City, Katowice, Rio de Janeiro, Dubai, Indore, Kitchener, London, Montevideo, Johannesburg, Kochi and Durban, among others.
The priority areas under the U20 included encouraging environmentally responsible behaviours, accelerating climate finance, ensuring water security and promoting local culture and economy. On the first day of the two-day event, delegates from 60 cities across 40 countries participated in a heritage walk from Kalupur Swaminarayan temple to Jama Masjid. They also visited the Sabarmati Ashram.