BRICS Urban Future Forum draws over 13,000 participants in Russia

The BRICS Urban Future Forum, held in Russia’s Moscow on September 18-19, brought together over 13,000 participants from more than 30 countries, showcasing a vibrant dialogue on sustainable urban development despite the absence of mainstream Western policymakers.

Chaired by South Korean Nobel Prize winner Rae Kwon Chung, the forum featured a variety of distinguished speakers, including mayors from major cities across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, alongside notable figures like Stanford biochemist Thomas Südhof and economist Jeffrey Sachs, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

With forecasts suggesting that half of the world's megacities will soon be located in BRICS countries, the forum highlighted the significance of exchanging best practices for sustainable urban development. Moscow, with an estimated population of 13 to 17 million, has made notable strides in urban development. The city is expanding its underground transit network and introducing high-speed rail services, while robotic cleaners and delivery bots have become a common sight. Most services, including scheduling medical appointments and document processing, are now accessible online.

Approximately one-third of locally produced buses in Moscow are electric, surpassing the EU average, and electric river streetcars further bolster the city’s eco-friendly initiatives.   Additionally, the FacePay system, which enables users to pay for public transportation or shopping by scanning their faces, is becoming increasingly popular throughout the city. Moscow is also sharing its model for managing rapid urbanization with rapidly developing nations in the Global South.

“We have much to offer to countries facing the challenges of growing urban populations and industrialization,” stated Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin on his Telegram account. “We are confident that ‘the Moscow model’ is effective and are eager to assist.” At the forum, Sachs emphasized the importance of expanding global cooperation, saying, “The collaboration among BRICS countries is excellent. However, I hope to see it extend to include the United States and Russia, as well as the United States and China. The aim should be partnership, not the creation of rival factions that deepen global divides. Unfortunately, this kind of cooperation is lacking right now.”  

The forum underscored a united commitment among BRICS nations to tackle urban challenges, promoting a vision for a more sustainable future amidst ongoing global uncertainties.

By Naila Huseynova