Odisha Hosts Landmark International Conclave on Urban Transformation

Bhubaneswar: A three-day International Conclave on Urban Transformation organised by the Department of Housing and Urban Development has kicked off in Bhubaneswar.

Over 400 participants from 11 countries and 20 states across India are participating in the event, making it the first-ever international conference on urban transformation in Odisha. The event aims to showcase Odisha’s strides in urban development, emphasizing inclusive and community-led initiatives.

In his inaugural address, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik highlighting Odisha’s cultural richness and its ongoing transformative journey to create smart and inclusive urban spaces, he emphasized the empowerment of communities as the heart of Odisha’s vision for urban development.

He stated, “Our success is not just the physical transformation, but also the profound impact it has on urban life.” He underscored the 5T framework, focusing on community-led urban development, and the commitment to the “Drink from Tap” mission, aiming to elevate the well-being of the people.

Expressing the belief that community-led urban development is a global paradigm shift, Chief Minister Patnaik extended a warm invitation to learn from Odisha’s experiences and collaborate for a better urban future. He urged participants to embark on a journey to build vibrant and inclusive cities, where every voice is genuinely heard.

Addressing the conclave, H&UD Minister Usha Devi highlighted Odisha’s achievements in urban development, emphasizing best practices, partnerships, and collaboration for inclusive growth.

Important sessions during the three-day conclave will cover topics such as “Water for All,” “Inclusive Sanitation and Waste Management,” and “Community-Led Urban Transformation: Odisha’s Models for Sustainable Urban Management.” The event also witnessed the launch of the Odisha Inclusive Sanitation Policy-2024 and the dedication of the “Odisha Urban Academy,” a center of excellence for training and capacity building in urban development. A Coffee Table Book on Community Partnership in Urban Governance was released, highlighting the collaborative efforts in Odisha’s urban transformation journey.