All systems go for the BRICS Urbanisation Forum

With just one day to go before the start of the BRICS Urbanisation Forum, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) led by Minister Thembi Nkadimeng is ready to receive the more than 600 delegates that will gather at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.

The Forum will bring together visionaries and experts to discuss key urban development issues and share insights on how cities can become more resilient in the face of global challenges. The first day of the BRICS Urbanisation Forum will focus on the various aspects of urban resilience and discuss ways to advance and strengthen it in the face of challenges such as climate change, rapid urbanisation, social vulnerabilities, and natural disasters.

Expected to participate on day one is Minister Nkadimeng and her counterparts from the BRICS nations; Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Ms Nomusa Dube-Ncube; the President of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), Cllr Bheke Stofile as well as the Executive Director UN Habitat – Ms. Maimunah Mohd Sharif.

Sessions from the first day will cover the role of effective governance and policy frameworks in advancing urban resilience; the localisation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals in strengthening national priorities towards sustainable development and building urban resilience in the face of the myriad of shocks, stresses and risks cities face.

“We are honored and look forward to welcoming distinguished delegates from BRICS countries and other African countries. As we work hand in hand with our BRICS partners, we celebrate the diversity that each nation brings to the table. By collaborating, we amplify our collective impact and ensure that our cities become beacons of progress and prosperity for all,” Minister Nkadimeng said.

Source: Government of South Africa