The Delegation of European Union hosted a virtual discussion with the Xavier University Bhubaneswar on the theme, “EU-India Cooperation in Sustainable Urbanisation and Urban Water Management.”
The online event held as part of the EU Day series focussed on the growing EU-India partnership, including policy dialogues, collaborative initiatives between different stakeholders and role of innovation.
Highlighting the need for urgent green transition, EU Ambassador to India Ugo Astuto said, “Over half of the global GDP depends on nature and the services it provides. When we look at the costs of inaction, it becomes clear we cannot afford to stand still: we have to invest in green transition.”
Vice Chancellor, Xavier University, Bhubaneswar, Dr Fr Antony R Uvari, S J welcomed the EU Delegation.
Kamilla Kristensen Rai, Counsellor, EU Delegation to India, said the EU-India partnership on Smart and Sustainable Urbanisation’ is to make cities inclusive, safe and resilient and sustainable. Dr Jayant Routray, Professor Emeritus, AIT Bangkok, said due to rising rural-to-urban migration, urbanisation is rising in India and across the world. Consequently, making cities both livable and sustainable is a challenge,
Friederichs, Head of Research and Innovation, EU Delegation, outlined the role of research and innovation (R&I) in Sustainable Urbanisation and Urban Waste Management and cooperation opportunities for India.
The key speakers at the event were Principal Secretary, Department of Housing and Urban Development G Mathivathanan, Prof Kajri Misra and Sriparna Sanyal Iyer. The event was moderated by Prof Prashant Prasad and Prof Mary Sabina. Prof Sutapa Pati delivered the closing remarks.
Prior to the EU Day event, an essay writing contest was organised for the students on the topic: “Role of good sustainable urbanisation and urban water management.” Students were asked to write on elements of sustainable urbanisation and urban water management, while sharing positive examples from India and the European Union which have inspired them. Four students namely Alisha Khan, Debashrita Tripathy, Pragyandipta Behera and Rajesh Pradhan received certificates for meritorious participation in the essay contest. They also featured as panellists in the EU Day event.