The year 2020 marked a pivotal moment in the global pursuit of sustainable development. As the world embarked on the ‘Decade of Action’, governments, the private sector, and civil society were called upon to expedite their efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and confront pressing challenges.

In this context, the Urban 20 (U20) initiative emerged as a crucial platform to address urban issues and foster sustainable urban development. The recent call for papers issued by Elets Technomedia in collaboration with the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) for the second edition of the U20 journal provides a timely opportunity to explore key topics and accelerate sustainable solutions for cities.

The U20 2nd edition call for papers coincides with India’s G20 Presidency, amplifying the significance of this initiative. As the world’s fastest-growing major economy, India holds a unique position in shaping the urban development agenda. The U20 process aligns with India’s commitment to sustainable development and offers a platform to share experiences, insights, and best practices among global cities.

This edition has covered a wide range of topics that are critical to urban development. Each article holds the potential to contribute valuable knowledge and ideas to address pressing urban challenges.

The special issue, 2nd in a series of three, includes topics on urban development, addressing pressing challenges. One article focuses on revitalising cultural landscapes for inclusive and sustainable development. Another explores integrating digital technologies to tackle urban and climate challenges efficiently. Digitalisation enhances urban planning, management, and climate change mitigation. Additionally, digital technologies can revolutionise sanitation services, improving health and sustainability. The importance of community participation in strengthening and sustaining sanitation initiatives is emphasised, fostering inclusive and resilient urban communities.

Also Read | Technology paving the way for future ready Bharat!

We firmly believe this journal will serve as a go-to resource for policymakers, urban practitioners, private players, and researchers in their endeavour towards promoting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban spaces. Let’s seize this opportunity to collaborate and drive the urban development agenda forward, creating a better future for all during the ‘Decade of Action’.

Happy Reading.

Be a part of Elets Collaborative Initiatives. Join Us for Upcoming Events and explore business opportunities. Like us on Facebook , connect with us on LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter, Instagram.

"Exciting news! Elets technomedia is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest insights!" Click here!