‘Share, collaborate, grow’: Eknath Shinde calls for BRICS cities to join hands on urban development

BRICS countries should share advanced technology expertise knowledge and information with each other to accelerate global development and enable cities to achieve sustainable growth Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde said on TuesdayShinde who was the chief guest at the BRICS Friendship Cities Conclave 2026 in Mumbai called for greater sharing of experiences technologies and innovations among cities of BRICS countries to build resilient innovative collaborative and sustainable cities focused on citizens needsThe twoday conclave organised by Mumbai First was inaugurated at Worli in the presence of Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev VarmaBRICS countries should exchange advanced technology experience knowledge and information with each other Such mutual cooperation will bring countries closer give real impetus to global development and make it possible for every city to achieve sustainable development Shinde saidHe stated that cities are not merely structures made of bricks and concrete but are the growth engines of a countrys economic progress Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision Shinde said urbanisation should be viewed not as a problem but as a major opportunitySince the challenges faced by cities today are common solutions must also be sought beyond geographical boundaries he statedReferring to the words of Sant Tukaram Maharaj mdash Ekameka sahya karu avaghe dharu supanth mdash Shinde called upon cities in BRICS countries to cooperate and collectively pave the way for developmentRepresentatives of cities from BRICS countries mayors urban planning experts and other prominent figures from the urban development sector are participating in the conclaveMumbai a symbol of Indias aspirationsDescribing Mumbai as the capital of Indias aspirations Shinde said the city is known for respecting hard work embracing diversity and displaying resilience in the face of crisesHosting a BRICS conference in a worldclass city like Mumbai is a matter of pride for Maharashtra he stated urging cities from different countries to learn from each other share experiences and give a new direction to future partnershipsUrbanisation an opportunity not a problemShinde said rapid urbanisation climate change floods heatwaves traffic congestion pollution water management and affordable housing are common challenges faced by major cities across the worldHe stressed that addressing these challenges requires cooperation and exchange of experiences that go beyond national bordersCitizens quality of life must remain the focusUrban development should not be limited to tall buildings or attractive skylines Shinde said The real indicators of successful urban planning are ease of travel access to safe housing and clean air better opportunities for children and the ability of the administration to stand firmly with citizens during disastersUrban development must be linked to the dignity of citizens and the opportunities available to them in the future he saidShinde stated that Maharashtra is taking steps towards sustainable urban development stronger infrastructure digital governance and climateresilient planningMaharashtras cities get fresh impetus says ShindeHe said cities across Maharashtra including Mumbai Nagpur Pune Nashik Thaneand Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar are witnessing renewed momentum in areas such as metro rail roads drainage redevelopment affordable housing digital services green infrastructure and disaster managementThe central objective behind all this development is to improve the quality of life of citizens Shinde saidHe added that inclusive development must ensure equal opportunities easy access to services quality infrastructure and greater public trust while ensuring that the benefits of development reach the last person in society and create new opportunities for future generationsMaharashtra steps up climate resilienceShinde described climate change as a serious challenge for a coastal city like Mumbai Rising sea levels the threat of flooding and increasing temperatures affect not only citizens safety but also the citys economy he saidAgainst this backdrop the state government is taking concrete measures in areas including flood control coastal protection expansion of green spaces rainwater management sustainable transport and technologybased planning he saidHe noted that cities in BRICS countries have considerable experience in public transport digital governance disaster management green finance and sustainable infrastructureTechnologies such as digital twins AIbased traffic management and smart governance are being effectively used in cities across the world Bringing these experiences together on a common platform presents a major opportunity for the development of future cities Shinde saidHe also stressed that cities should focus on cooperation and empowerment rather than competing with one anotherMaharashtra ready for investment and innovationShinde said Maharashtra is a reliable destination for investment has a strong industrial ecosystem remains open to innovation and is always ready for cooperationCities are not merely administrative boundaries but laboratories of innovation and engines of sustainable development he said emphasising the need to expand international cooperation for urban development