With more than 50 per cent of the population migrating to urban areas, there is a need to collaborate with other countries to find solutions to tackle the problems of urbanisation, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said here today.
He was speaking at a conference to announce the BRICS Friendship Cities Conclave to be held from April 14-16 in the megapolis.
The event will be attended by 75 delegates comprising governors, city leaders, urban planners, ministers and experts from across Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
The conclave, organised by a non-profit organisation Mumbai First, will be the first event after India took over the presidency of BRICS countries for a year in February.
"The conclave will truly be global in nature and has received support from all partner countries. The problems faced by the cities in these countries are similar to the ones faced by India. This forum will help the countries to collaborate and cooperate and to come up with solutions to help each other in resolving them," Fadnavis said.
He said the scale of problems in each city may vary but if they share their experiences and solutions, it will help other cities overcome their problems as well.
"Over the decade, we have noticed that more than 50 per cent of population resides in urban areas. Therefore, there is a need to focus on sustainability. This conclave will offer solutions on best practices for all the partner countries," the Chief Minister said.
He said the conclave will deliberate on topics relevant to development of cities including planning, security, sustainability, water management, among others.
On the occasion, a special book on urban challenges titled 'Making of Vibrant BRICS Cities' will be released along with a special stamp cover at the hands of state Governor C Vidyasagar Rao. Over 35 experts from around the world have contributed to the book.
"The conclave is also putting to reality the vision and dream as outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the BRCIS summit in Brazil in 2014, stressing the importance in engagement between states, cities, local bodies and people to people," he said.
Mumbai First will also organise a cultural evening on the inaugural day at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Sangrahalay (Prince of Wales Museum).
