The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) underscored its commitment to transforming urban governance at the “Capacity for Change: Forging Sustainable Futures” conference held today at the India Habitat Centre. Organized by the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) under MoHUA’s aegis, the event aimed to explore the role of data and technology in strengthening urban management and institutional capacity.
Inaugurating the conference, Manohar Lal, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, emphasized empowering urban staff with the knowledge and skills needed for effective city planning. “The government is focused on enhancing the ease of living for citizens by equipping urban officials with tools and insights to reimagine cities, manage urban growth, and integrate modern technology with traditional wisdom,” he said. Highlighting the significance of urbanization, he noted that by 2047, 50% of India’s population is projected to reside in cities.
Tokhan Sahu, Minister of State for MoHUA, reiterated the government’s mission to create cities that are not only engines of economic growth but also models of equity and sustainability. “Innovation must centre around citizens, ensuring inclusivity and prioritizing marginalized communities,” he stated.
Key Discussions and Knowledge Products
The conference featured several sessions focused on themes like capacity-building, sustainable governance, and digital transformation. Among the key topics were:
- Building Institutional Capacity for Sustainable Urban Governance
- Digital Governance and Citizen-Centric Urban Management
- Strengthening Capacities for Resilient Urban Transformation
Several knowledge products were unveiled to support urban practitioners and enhance urban governance:
- Urban Learnathon 2.0 – A collaborative platform promoting innovation among city officials, academics, and industry stakeholders.
- NULP 4.0 – A digital learning initiative aimed at creating India’s largest urban skilling network, engaging over 107,825 members and offering 114 courses.
- Know Your Ministry Course – A comprehensive guide to MoHUA’s vision, history, and initiatives.
- Pathways for Mainstreaming Urban Climate Action – A discussion paper addressing climate challenges in urban areas.
Additionally, publications like Towards a More Efficient and Equitable Property Tax System, Cybersecurity Handbook for Smart Cities, and the Transforming Cities Playbook were released, highlighting innovative practices in urban management.
Promoting Collaborative Governance
Rahul Kapoor, Joint Secretary at MoHUA, highlighted the role of the National Urban Learning Platform (NULP) in promoting a culture of digital governance and collaboration. “Through platforms like NULP, we aim to empower officials to lead sustainable urban initiatives,” he said, reaffirming the Ministry’s dedication to addressing urban challenges through technology.
Dr. Debolina Kundu, Director (AC) of NIUA, stressed the importance of collaboration among government bodies, experts, and stakeholders. “This conference exemplifies our collective commitment to creating inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban futures,” she noted.
The “Capacity for Change” conference marks a significant step toward addressing India’s urbanization challenges. By leveraging innovative tools, promoting collaboration, and prioritizing citizen-centric approaches, MoHUA aims to drive transformative change in urban governance, ensuring sustainable growth for future generations.
