World Cities Day Connect 2023 Promotes Sustainable and Inclusive Cities
The “World Cities Day Connect 2023” was held at the Radisson Blu in Chennai, with a resounding commitment to “Building Sustainable and Inclusive Cities for All.”
Organized by the Sustainable Development Council (SDC) in collaboration with UN-Habitat, this one-day initiative marked the Global Observance of World Cities Day, focusing on advancing the development of smart cities in India with a strong emphasis on sustainability and inclusivity.
During the event, esteemed guests launched the “Youth Leads Sustainability” Online Journal, a global platform designed to empower the youth and engage them in the global discourse on building sustainable and inclusive cities, while providing a space for young individuals to share their research, experiences, and visionary perspectives on urban development. The journal’s mission is to harness the creativity, energy, and enthusiasm of the younger generation to drive positive change in cities worldwide and to foster youth engagement, inspiring, educating, and connecting like-minded individuals who are passionate about shaping a better future.
The event was presided over by Dr. G A Rajkumar IAS (R), its All India Chairman, and Dr. Datchanamoorthy Ramu, President and Mr Gokulnath, Secretary- General of Sustainable Development Council. The program featured esteemed guests and dignitaries, underscoring its significance in driving urban development in India. Among the notable chief guests were Shri. K. LAKSHMINARAYANAN, Hon’ble Minister for Public Works, Government of Puducherry, Mr. V. Nandakumar IRS, Commissioner of Income Tax, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, and Smt. Beena Philip, Hon’ble Mayor of Kozhikode Municipal Corporation.
Distinguished diplomate guests, Prominent Indian bureaucrats and educationists & social reformers , including Prof. Ranganathan J, Hon. Consul General of Myanmar in Chennai, and Mr. Antony Lob, Hon. Consul General of Spain in Chennai,Mr. Anshul Mishra IAS, Member Secretary CMDA, Dr. J Radhakrishnan IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu, and Commissioner, Greater Chennai Corporation, as well as Mr.Balasubramaniam, Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Indian Institute of Information Technology Smt. Vimala Rani Britto, Secretary & Correspondent of St. Britto’s Group of Institutions and Chair of Fefdy Curriculum, along with Dr. Susan Verghese, Vice President of Hindustan Group of Institutions and Director of Hindustan College of Arts & Science College. added their expertise and insights to the program.
Shri. K. LAKSHMINARAYANAN, Hon’ble Minister for Public Works, Government of Puducherry, said that poverty affects everyone in any part of the world. He also said that in 20 years Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will not have any villages in the environment where everyone has to depend on each other. He also said that the pace of growth & development is to that extent.
Speaking later, Corporation Commissioner Radhakrishnan said that the seminar discussed about sustainable development in Chennai Corporation through investments. He also said that the public should bring about environmental protection, plastic eradication and development works with the participation of the public.
The “WORLD CITIES DAY CONNECT 2023” program featured a Keynote speeches, high-level panel and a youth dialogue, bringing together thought leaders, experts, and emerging voices to discuss and strategize on building sustainable and inclusive cities for a brighter future.
In line with the global observance of World Cities Day, this event showcased the commitment of the Sustainable Development Council, in partnership with UN-Habitat, to drive positive change in urban development, focusing on sustainability and inclusivity as essential pillars for the cities of tomorrow.
The Sustainable Development Council (SDC) is a leading organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development, environmental conservation, and social progress. SDC works collaboratively with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and the private sector to create a more sustainable and inclusive future for all.
