Ahmedabad Mayoral summit was most successful event-Puri

Union urban affairs and housing minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said that the Ahmedabad U20 Mayoral summit was the most successful and productive event. He said, the government has increased the budget allocation for urban development many fold. He was talking to reporters at Gandhinagar on Saturday.Puri also said that the government is developing cities keeping in mind all basic and future naccesities. Puri said, that the challenges of global development have to be addressed primarily through the cities. He said, focusing on cities is important as 65 percent of the world population lives in urban areas and contributes 75 percent of GDP..

The highly anticipated Urban20 (U20) Mayoral Summit in the city of Ahmedabad concluded on Saturday. Dignitaries, city leaders, and mayors from around the world congregated to advocate for and strategize a sustainable future by addressing the urban challenges faced by cities worldwide.The U20 Mayoral Summit serves as a platform for mayors and city officials to collaborate, exchange ideas, and develop innovative solutions to the most pressing issues affecting urban areas. By bringing together a diverse group of leaders, the summit aims to foster meaningful discussions and promote international cooperation in urban development.The event saw participation 430 delegates from India and abroad and 92  Mayors, including 65 from various cities of India. The attendees engaged in interactive sessions and panel discussions, sharing their experiences and best practices in managing and transforming their respective urban environments.

One of the primary objectives highlighted in the U20 Mayoral Summit  was to prioritize sustainability and create a roadmap for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With the world becoming increasingly urbanized, cities face significant challenges such as climate change, affordable housing, transportation, public health, financial and social inequality. The summit held  discussions to address these challenges head-on by developing strategies and initiatives that can be implemented at the city level.

In today's rapidly changing world, the issue of polarization has become a pressing concern, affecting societies at various levels. Recognizing the significance of this challenge, the Secretary General of the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), Emilia Saiz Carrancedo, highlighted the importance of finding solutions to address polarization within urban administration. Key themes explored during the summit include inclusive urban  development, resilience, digital innovation, green infrastructure, and social cohesion. By focusing on these areas, the mayors and city leaders hope to develop actionable plans that can be replicated and adapted to the unique contexts of their own cities.

According to our Ahmedabad correspondent Ira Singh,the summit also featured an exhibition showcasing India's urban success stories, notable projects, and innovative initiatives. Selected films were screened to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change on urban areas.Additionally,as part of the summit, the Mayors and delegates traversed opportunity to explore Ahmedabad's historic streets, monuments, Sabarmati Ashram, and Riverfront, giving them a glimpse into the city's rich culture. Ahmedabad, a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture, was chosen as the host city for the U20 Mayoral Summit due to its own exemplary initiatives in sustainable urban development. The city has implemented innovative projects in areas such as renewable energy, waste management, urban transportation, and smart city technologies.

As the world faces increasing urbanization, it is crucial for cities to work together to find innovative solutions and implement sustainable practices. The U20 Mayoral Summit serves as a beacon of hope, bringing together leaders who are committed to creating a better future for their citizens and promoting the well-being of urban communities worldwide. The Urban chair was also handed over ti Brazil and the next U20 will be held in Rio-de-Janeiro.