AHMEDABAD, Gujarat: Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel launched the logo of Urban 20 (U20), a special vertical of G20, and its website and social media platforms on December 19, 2022, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. With this Ahmedabad formally takes up the U20 Presidency, which has been selected to host the U20 cycle in February 2023. While speaking at the launch event, Patel said that Ahmedabad is growing as the major urban centre in the country and it would play an important role as the President of U20 which is one of the engagement groups of G20.
Patel highlighted the glorious past of Gujarat, citing the two world heritage sites Dholavira and Lothal, which represent the Harappan and Indus Valley Civilisation. He also mentioned Vadnagar, the birthplace of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, which has been chronicled by Hiuen Tsang, the renowned Chinese traveler from the 7th Century.
He further added that the city of Ahmedabad is a true confluence of rich history and modern development, and has led to the city being named as the first heritage city. He invited all the stakeholders to Gujarat for the fulfillment of the U20 agenda.
Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, attended the event virtually and shared Narendra Modi’s vision ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ which stands for ‘The world is One Family’ and expressed his happiness over U20 being organised in Ahmedabad.
Puri said, “U20 is an important city diplomacy initiative which reinforces the role of cities in taking the sustainable agenda forward.”
Singh further mentioned that the activities and discussions will take place among dignitaries, including Sherpas, Mayors, and officials of urban development bodies and the platform will help to share the best practices from the major cities of G20 countries.
U20 provides a platform to facilitate discussions on important issues of urban development including climate change, sustainable mobility, social inclusion, affordable housing, and financing of urban infrastructure, and share collective solutions. This helps to initiate a dialogue between the central and local governments and to promote the importance of urban development issues in the G20 agenda.