Authorities gathered at an international conference in Goa, India to discuss issues related to local governments for sustainable and safe cities. The conference was organised by the All India Institute of Local and Self Government (AIILSG) and was held from 7-9 September 2009.
Authorities gathered at an international conference in Goa, India to discuss issues related to local governments for sustainable and safe cities. The conference was organised by the All India Institute of Local and Self Government (AIILSG) and was held from 7-9 September 2009.
The main theme of the conference was sustainable cities, and among the issues discussed were urban design and planning, disaster management, urban environment, housing for urban poor, energy security, urban infrastructure, and climate change.
The workshop had a strong participation from cities. Those attending included city managers, municipal commissioners, policy makers and, academics. They shared information on various initiatives towards the attainment of goals of sustainable and safe cities.
During a session on urban design and planning, Prof. Chetan Vaidya of the National Institute of Urban Affairs made a presentation on Peer Experience and Reflective Learning (PEARL) initiative. Specifically, he spoke of how PEARL would be beneficial within the context of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewable Mission (JNNURM). Prof. Vaidya also highlighted the on-going consultations with Cities Alliance for knowledge support to PEARL for developing sustainable horizontal learning mechanisms and knowledge products.
Project Manager Urvinder Madan reported on the progress of Mumbai Transformation Support Unit, a body that was established in 2005 by the World Bank, Cities Alliance, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Government of Maharashtra. His presentation highlighted the urban management initiatives in the Indian financial capital.
All India Institute of Local and Self Government is a government-recognised, autonomous body working for the empowerment of local authorities and promoting good local governance. It is committed to capacity building and training and research with regards to local governance. The institute organises regional, national, and international seminars for the exchange of ideas and knowledge sharing.
