India has called for collective efforts to build sustainable cities to meet global climate goals, with Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu stressing the need to turn climate commitments into measurable results.
Speaking at the second edition of the ARISE Cities Forum in New Delhi on Tuesday, Sahu said India’s strengths in urban development could help create better opportunities for future generations.
The forum, hosted at the India Habitat Centre, brought together more than 200 delegates from over 50 cities across 18 countries representing the Global South.
“From resolve to planning, from planning to implementation, and from implementation to results, that should be our way of working,” Sahu said. He emphasised development that reaches every section of society.
ARISE Cities Forum focuses on climate action
Themed “From Bharat to Antalya: Commit. Implement. Deliver,” the forum focuses on urban resilience, sustainability, equitable development and low-carbon growth.
The programme features three technical plenaries and 14 technical sessions. Discussions cover how local governments can translate global climate commitments into practical action.
The agenda includes climate-resilient water management, sustainable urban energy transitions, urban biodiversity, resilient coastal communities and nature-positive cities. Participants are also examining the role of culture and entertainment in urban resilience, alongside public health and climate-resilient planning for children and young people.
A Memorandum of Understanding was also exchanged between the Global Buildings Performance Network (GBPN) and ICLEI South Asia.
Delhi Declaration to be presented at COP31
Discussions at the forum will feed into the Delhi Declaration on Local Action for Global Climate Goals 2026, scheduled for adoption on Wednesday.
The declaration will be presented at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye.
Director of the National Institute of Urban Affairs Debolina Kundu said the forum’s theme reflected the urgency of moving from climate commitments to implementation.
She said the experiences and priorities of cities should have a stronger presence in national and global climate discussions ahead of COP31.
ICLEI Secretary General Gino Van Begin highlighted the role of urban local governments in developing innovative solutions and partnerships. He said their experiences should have a stronger voice in global climate processes.
UN Women calls for gender-responsive urban planning
UN Women India Country Representative Shoko Ishikawa called for gender equality to be integrated into urban planning, climate policies and investments.
She identified three priorities: strengthening women’s safety, mobility and economic participation through urban infrastructure; integrating gender equality into climate-related decisions; and institutionalising women’s leadership and accountability in urban climate action.
Ishikawa said UN Women looked forward to working with the forum to ensure women and girls help shape future cities.
The forum’s discussions underline the role of local governments in connecting climate commitments with urban infrastructure, inclusive planning and implementation. The proposed declaration is expected to carry these priorities into global climate discussions at COP31.
