Approach to Integrated Sustainability (Grand Challenge on Rapid Urbanization)

Sustainability was initially demonstrated as an environmental concept but over the years it has undergone a massive paradigm shift. It has been fully integrated into the way we think and plan our economic goals. In order to address the challenges faced by humanity, it is imperative to strike a balance between social development, sustained economic growth, sustainable management of natural resources and cultural variations.

Through the past few decades the world has come to an agreement that the massive development had led to devastating impact on the environment- The Grand Challenge on Rapid Urbanization. Cities are growing by 1.5 million people per week. Two-thirds of humanity will be living in cities by 2050. While cities offer economic opportunities and stimulate innovation, they are also places of growing inequality, and a major contributor to climate change. Unless urban solutions are developed, cities will continue to deplete resources, increase temperatures and contribute to chronic poverty. For Indian cities to remain a dynamic engine of economic growth while also providing a high quality of life for its citizens, they will need to be able to provide affordable, safe and equitable access to economic and social opportunities, while reducing social and environmental impacts.

This session intends to bring forth renowned experts from diverse disciplines and multiple sectors to debate on challenges and possible integrated solutions