Russia hosted a plenary session of the BRICS Urbanisation Forum entitled “Creating Sustainable Strategies for the Development of Urban Environment”. 

The forum was attended by representatives of different countries, including the Minister of Urban Development of Brazil Jader Barbalho Filho, Minister of Urban Development and Infrastructure of Ethiopia Chaltu Sani, Deputy Minister of Housing, Urban and Rural Construction of China Qin Haixiang, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs of India Kunal Kumar and other representatives of foreign countries. They spoke about the state programmes on improvement in the countries they represent and shared their experience with their colleagues.

Irek Faizullin, Minister of Construction and Housing of Russia, noted that the development of co-operation in the BRICS format is a priority of Russia’s foreign policy. The session was attended by representatives of Brazil, Ethiopia, China, India and other countries, who shared their experience in landscaping and urban development. They discussed urban development and transformation, effective digital solutions and exchanged best practices in Smart Cities.

“Multidisciplinary co-operation is built on the basis of equality and mutual respect, as well as the principles of openness, pragmatism, solidarity and continuity. The annual BRICS Traditional Forum on Urbanisation has proven itself as a platform for fruitful exchange of views and best practices”

Irek Faizullin Minister of Construction and Housing of Russia

Faizullin added that by 2030, it is planned to improve at least 30 thousand public spaces in Russia and implement 1,600 winning projects in small and historical settlements. Improving the quality of public utilities for 20 million residents is also a priority, including the construction and modernisation of two thousand drinking water supply facilities.

The plenary session “Green Construction: Trends and Development Prospects” discussed improving the energy efficiency of buildings and industrial facilities. The participants noted that sustainable development of the construction complex and reduction of environmental impact are possible through unified design solutions and exchange of best practices. 

The experience of China and the UAE is being taken into account when developing an interstate green standard for the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

The BRICS Urbanisation Forum was held within the framework of Russia’s BRICS Chairmanship.

Photo: press service of the Ministry of Construction of Russia