The 11th edition of the World Urban Forum has once again highlighted the importance of speeding up our collective efforts to achieve the goals of the Agenda 2030, contributing positively towards the targets set under the New Urban Agenda. AIILSG is implementing 100+ projects pan India; and in all the projects, the Institute is keeping the components of the sustainability agenda on priority in its implementation strategies at the local level
The WUF-11 in Katowice was a success as it brought thousands of urban stakeholders together after a long time since the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world. And a majority of them made several commitments to drive the agenda forward for building a sustainable future for coming generations.
The localisation of SDGs is an issue gaining importance in the present world because of the increasingly adverse impacts of climate change on cities. Governments across the globe are quickly realising that one solution cannot be implemented in all scenarios. Therefore, every city needs to link their activities to the SDGs. Their implementation strategy must suit the challenges and needs of the people of that city. If not, the development of the city will be hollow and short-lived. Only by localising SDGs and development methods can the city improve comprehensively. It is not just for the cities, but all the stakeholders involved in delivering projects at the local level must ensure that sustainable development is put into practice.
SDG-7, 11, 13, 17
Global Covenant of Mayors South Asia
Global Covenant of Mayors for Energy and Climate Change is a reputed platform for local leaders on a global scale. The objective is to improve cities’ work on mitigating climate change and improve the energy efficiency of their urban operations.
Recently, AIILSG has been selected as one of the partners—Networking and Governance Coordinator for GCOM South Asia. At present, there are 26 Indian cities which are part of GCOM SA. There are additional eight signatory cities from other South Asian Countries. AIILSG will coordinate with Indian and South Asian cities, for making them part of the global network, report their actions, and share best practices with other cities.
It is certain that the engagement will further empower their fight against climate change in the long run. GCOM South Asia will provide the signatory cities access to the shared knowledge base and connect them with global partners. Over 11800 cities representing more than 100 crore people are signatories of GCOM’s various regional chapters.
AIILSG also supports the United Cities and Local Governments Asia Pacific in Climate Resilient and Inclusive Cities (CRIC) Project. It has contributed to preparing the Good Practices Guidebook that aspired to document the most relevant, adaptable good practices that could be implemented in CRIC target cities in Indonesia.
In India, the institute is working on a project in Fazilka District of Punjab, in which it will assist local farmers in adapting to sustainable practices instead of burning stubble. The project aims to improve air quality in the region and use stubble pallets to create energy. The HDFC Bank funds this project under its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.
SDG-6
Improved access to water, sanitation
AIILSG is working with the Ministry of Jal Shakti as a Key Resource Center (KRC) under the Jal Jeevan Mission to support capacity building of officials and elected representatives, reorientating different stakeholders, dissemination of knowledge and information, documentation of best practices, etc. This mission will transform people’s access to clean water in rural areas. At present, it is a giant leap towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goal-6 because of the scale of the project.
In another project, AIILSG is working with Madhya Pradesh Urban Development Company and the World Bank in Madhya Pradesh to connect 100 per cent of households with a sewerage connection and the sewerage line to an STP. Similar, the institute is working on a Faecal Sludge Management project in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, to improve sanitation and wastewater management. Another project on energy efficiency that the institute is engaged in is Energy Conservation Building Code cells. The institute has established more than 20 cells and assisted them to ensure energy efficiency.
SDG-5, 8, 10
Girl Power Project
The Girl Power Project, funded by the European Union, is empowering 5000 women from 10 districts of Jharkhand, namely Hazaribagh, Deoghar, Koderma, Khunti, Gumla, Ranchi, West Singhbum, East Singhbum and Saraikela. The project aims to create a network of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and women, which will act as a platform to make women financially independent by learning new skills. The network includes one Advisory Group, which will give overall direction to the project regarding CSO capacity building and social entrepreneurship. The project will build the capacity of CSOs, including women-led CSOs, to empower them in social entrepreneurship. This is done by engaging them into local businesses such as organic farming, making incense sticks, goat rearing, etc.
SDG-10, 11
Accessible & Inclusive Cities
In collaboration with the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) and with the support from the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) fund of the UK Government, AIILSG is implementing the project Building Accessible, Safe & Inclusive Indian Cities (BASllC). The main objective is to make Indian cities accessible and inclusive, especially for people with special abilities. The institute has curated a course on Fundamentals of Disability Inclusion. The four-module course provides a 360-degree perspective around Disability Inclusion and helps the city stakeholders dive deep into tools & methods of achieving universal design at the urban level.
The aim is to familiarise the city officials with the importance of achieving universal design within an urban ecosystem. The global launch of the course was held on the first day of the World Urban Forum at the NIUA Pavilion in Urban Expo.