Governor calls for greater cooperation, technology exchange and shared urban solutions among BRICS nations
By Sitaram Mewati| Mumbai
Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma called upon BRICS countries to strengthen city-to-city cooperation and share knowledge, technology, experiences and best practices to build sustainable, inclusive, liveable and future-ready urban centres.
Varma was speaking at the inauguration of the BRICS Friendship Cities Conclave 2026, organised by Mumbai First and held at the Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai. The conclave brought together representatives from BRICS cities, urban development experts and senior diplomatic representatives, giving a strong international dimension to discussions on the future of cities.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Joint Secretary to the Governor S. Ramamoorthy, Mumbai First Chairman Narinder Nayar, Vice Chairman Ashank Desai, CEO Satish Kumar and other dignitaries were present. Consuls General representing BRICS countries, along with Consuls General and diplomatic representatives from several other countries, also attended the event.
The Governor said the Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, which considers the world as one family, is not merely an ancient Indian principle but has become a reality of everyday life in the 21st century. He said India has consistently extended the hand of cooperation across sectors and has played an important role in strengthening the voice of the Global South.
“Cities are engines of innovation and creativity. As cities continue to expand, the real challenge is to create urban centres where people can live well,” Varma said.
He stressed that stronger cooperation among BRICS cities could help address common challenges emerging from rapid urbanisation. While BRICS countries differ in geography, culture and social structures, their people share similar aspirations for better infrastructure, efficient public services, economic opportunities and a higher quality of life.
Varma called for greater exchange of experience and technology in areas including public transportation, climate resilience, digital governance, affordable housing, urban planning and sustainable infrastructure. He said city-to-city partnerships could help develop practical solutions while encouraging innovation and strengthening people-to-people relations.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, referring to the words of Sant Tukaram Maharaj, ‘Ekmeka Sahya Karu, Avaghe Dharu Supanth’, called upon cities across BRICS nations to cooperate and collectively pave the way for sustainable development.
Shinde said BRICS countries should exchange advanced technologies, knowledge, information and experiences. Such cooperation, he said, would bring nations closer, accelerate global development and enable cities to pursue sustainable growth while addressing emerging urban challenges.
Satish Kumar, CEO, Mumbai First, said the BRICS Friendship Cities Conclave 2026 provided an excellent platform for cities across BRICS nations to discuss common urban challenges, share innovative solutions and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Kumar said no single city could address complex urban challenges alone and that sustainable solutions could be achieved only through shared knowledge, ideas, experiences and best practices. He said the conclave marked the beginning of stronger collaboration among BRICS cities, with a shared commitment to learning from one another and building sustainable, resilient and future-ready cities.
The participation of city representatives, mayors, urban planning experts and diplomatic representatives highlighted the growing importance of international partnerships in shaping the cities of tomorrow. The conclave also positioned Mumbai as an important platform for dialogue on sustainable urban development and cooperation among BRICS nations.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
