Annual Research on Cities Summit 7.0 : 10th and11th February 2023
The School of Human Settlements, XIM University, Odisha, hosted its annual urban conference, the 7th Annual Research on Cities Summit (ARCS 7.0) on 10th and 11th February 2023, on ‘Sustainable Urbanism in the Global South’. Shri Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, Former MP and Chairperson, OSHB inaugurated the event, and Shri Srikanth Viswanathan, CEO, Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy delivered the Keynote Address. The Dean of the School of Human Settlements welcomed the guests and spoke on the genesis of SHS and ARCS. The Chief Guest also released the Conference Book of Abstracts.
The School of Human Settlements and the entire fraternity of XIM University believe that greening southern urbanism constitutes the most crucial sustainability challenge in the developing context. Thus, ARCS 7.0 aimed to bring together academics, professionals, policy advocates and students to discuss and deliberate on the ways forward.
This year more than 70 international and national delegates presented research and cases of the ongoing initiatives towards urban sustainability in India, and policies, strategies, and technologies for green transitions in developing contexts. The conference had multiple sub-themes and over 60 papers were presented on various tracks like ‘SDGs and Cities of Global South’, ‘Sustainable Urban Regeneration and Placemaking’, Digital Solutions for Sustainable Cities’, etc.
Frank D’hondt, Secretary General, ISOCARP and Pietro Elisei, President, ISOCARP were plenary speakers at ARCS 7.0. The Conference included four Plenary sessions, with eminent speakers and panelists, who deliberated over the following topics:
- Perspectives and Alternatives to Urban Commons
- The Planning System We Need for the World We Can Afford
- CSR- A Tool for Impact Investing Towards Urban Sustainability
- Sustainable Urbanisation? Yes, If We Give Space to Local Planning and Strengthen Territorial Capital
The Annual Urban Research Awards (AURA) were presented at the Conference for the best Papers and Thesis. In the closing ceremony on 11th February 2023, Fr. S. Antony Raj SJ, Registrar, XIM University, delivered the Valedictory Address and presented the awardees. The conference report was presented by Dr. Arpan Paul, Co-coordinator, ARCS 7.0. Dr. Jublee Mazumdar Coordinator, ARCS 7.0 presented the vote of thanks to all delegates, guests and speakers.
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