11.08.2026 BRICS Countries Should Strengthen City-to-City Cooperation for Sustainable Urban Development: Governor Jishnu Dev Varma

Publish Date : August 11, 2026

Governor attends the inaugural session of the BRICS Friendship Cities Conclave 2026

BRICS Countries Should Strengthen City-to-City Cooperation for Sustainable Urban Development: Governor Jishnu Dev Varma

Mumbai, August 11: Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma today called upon BRICS countries to strengthen city-to-city cooperation and share knowledge, technology and best practices to build sustainable, inclusive, liveable and future-ready cities. He was speaking at the inauguration of the BRICS Friendship Cities Conclave 2026, organised by Mumbai First in Mumbai.

The Governor said that Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the Indian philosophy of considering the world as one family, is highly relevant in the 21st century.

Despite differences in geography, culture and social structures, the aspirations of people across BRICS countries are similar. Greater cooperation among cities can help address common urban challenges and promote innovation and inclusive growth.

He called for enhanced cooperation in areas such as public transportation, climate resilience, digital governance, affordable housing, urban planning and sustainable infrastructure. Stronger city-to-city partnerships, he said, can create practical solutions to shared challenges, strengthen people-to-people relations and further deepen friendship among BRICS nations.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Joint Secretary to the Governor S. Ramamoorthy, Chairman of Mumbai First Narinder Nayar, Vice Chairman Ashank Desai and other dignitaries were present.