Archive · 11 Aug 2026
BRICS Should Share Urban Development Tech, Says Shinde
Important people from cities in different countries came together in Mumbai for a big meeting called the BRICS Friendship Cities Conclave.
A leader named Mr. Shinde talked to them about making cities better places to live.
He said cities from different countries should share their ideas, technology and experiences with each other.
Cities all over the world face similar problems, like floods, very hot weather, traffic jams, dirty air and not enough homes for people.
Mr. Shinde said a good city is not just about tall buildings but about clean air, safe homes, easy travel and good schools.
He said cities are like growth engines that help a country become stronger.
He asked everyone to think of urbanisation as a big opportunity and not a problem.
He also said the state of Maharashtra is already working on new transport, flood control, parks and better services.
His main message was that teamwork between countries can make cities better for everyone.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde urged BRICS countries to share technology, experiences, knowledge and information for urban development.
Speaking as Chief Guest at the 'BRICS Friendship Cities Conclave 2026' in Mumbai, he framed urbanisation as 'a major opportunity', echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision.
He identified common city challenges including rapid urbanisation, climate change, floods, heatwaves, traffic congestion, pollution, water management and affordable housing.
Shinde said Maharashtra is taking steps in sustainable urban development, flood control, coastal protection, green cover, rainwater management, sustainable transport and technology-driven planning.
He said successful urban planning should be measured by ease of commuting, safe housing, clean air, opportunities for children and administrative support during disasters.
Mayors, city representatives and urban planning experts from BRICS countries are participating in the conclave.
- Who
- Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde, speaking alongside city representatives, mayors and urban planning experts from BRICS countries.
- What
- A call for BRICS cities to share experiences, technologies and innovations to build sustainable, citizen-centric cities.
- When
- The 'BRICS Friendship Cities Conclave 2026', held on a Tuesday.
- Where
- Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
- Why
- To address common urban challenges such as rapid urbanisation, climate change, floods, pollution and affordable housing through mutual cooperation beyond national boundaries.
International Cooperation
Domestic Focus
Approach to Urban Problems
International Cooperation
Cities worldwide face similar challenges like floods, heatwaves and pollution, so solutions must be explored by going beyond national boundaries.
Domestic Focus
Cities are growth engines of a country's economic progress, and urban development is framed primarily around national vision, as emphasized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Event
- BRICS Friendship Cities Conclave 2026
- Location
- Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Chief Guest
- Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister
- Participants
- City representatives, Mayors and urban planning experts from BRICS countries
- Key Message
- BRICS countries should share technology, experiences, knowledge and information for urban development
- Focus Areas
- Sustainable development, climate-responsive planning, digital governance, affordable housing and disaster management
- Common Challenges Mentioned
- Rapid urbanisation, climate change, floods, heatwaves, traffic congestion, pollution, water management and affordable housing
- Maharashtra Initiatives
- Metros, roads, drainage, redevelopment, affordable housing, digital services, green infrastructure and disaster management