Annual Research on Cities Summit 8.0 (ARCS) : 8-10 February 2024
[ Future of Sustainable Urbanism in the Global South ]
The School of Human Settlements, XIM University, Bhubaneswar, hosted its annual urban conference, the 8th Annual Research on Cities Summit (ARCS 8.0) on 8-10 February 2024, on ‘Future of Sustainable Urbanism in the Global South’. Shri Hitesh Vaidya, Former Director, National Institute of Urban Affairs, New Delhi inaugurated the event, and Dr. O. P. Agarwal, Distinguished Fellow, NITI Aayog and Senior Advisor, World Bank HQ, delivered the Keynote Address. The Dean of the School of Human Settlements welcomed the guests and spoke on the genesis and contributions of SHS and ARCS. The Chief Guest and Guest of Honour also released the Conference Book of Abstracts. Eminent speakers from industry, academia and policy making elaborated on the critical importance of sustainable urban development to the achievement of Viksit Bharat and COP28 commitments. Conference participants shared research, experiences and issues in greening cities, discussed possibilities and the ways forward.
This year more than 60 international and national delegates presented research and cases of the ongoing initiatives towards urban sustainability, and policies, strategies, and technologies for green transitions in developing contexts. The Conference featured six Plenary Addresses by eminent speakers and panelists, and over 45 research and case presentations on six tracks –
- Urban Economy and Livelihoods
- Sustainable Built and Cultural Values in South- East Asia
- Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building for Sustainable Urban Development
- Towards ‘Sustainable’ Sanitation: Challenges and Opportunities in Urban Areas
- Cities and Public Spaces
- Urban Governance Tools and Sustainable Development
Frank D’hondt, Secretary General, ISOCARP; Pietro Elisei, President, ISOCARP; Ali A. Alrouf, Advisor, Qatar Urban Planning Board, Doha; Alka Misra, Chairperson, OSDA; Dr. S. S. Ray, Director-General, KSAP, KIIT University; Dr. Tania Berger, HOD, Department for Construction, Danube University; Sanjay Deshpande, Executive Director & Head of Operations, Clearford India Pvt. Ltd.; Prerna V. Mehta, Associate Director- Urban Development, WRI India; and Sandipan Sarangi, Project Lead, Urban Rural Convergence Program, UNICEF, were the eminent Plenary Speakers and Panelists,
The Annual Urban Research Awards (AURA) were presented at the Conference for the Best Papers. On Feb 10th, the Valedictory Address was delivered by Dr. Kajri Misra, Dean, School of Human Settlements. The conference report was presented by Prof. Annam Sai Kiran, Co-coordinator, ARCS 8.0. Dr. Arpan Paul, Coordinator, ARCS 8.0 presented the vote of thanks to all delegates, guests, and the organizing team.
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