Urban Resilience for Sustainable Development: Insights from Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi

Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, the Minister of Human Settlements, addressed high-level representatives from BRICS nations at the United Nations Office in Nairobi. The Minister emphasized the importance of urban resilience for sustainable urban development. This article summarizes her discourse and the key takeaways from the meeting.

South Africa’s Priorities as BRICS Chair

Under South Africa’s BRICS Chairship in 2023, the country aims to prioritize equitable just transition, transforming education and skills development, unlocking opportunities through the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, strengthening post-pandemic socio-economic recovery, and working toward reform in global governance institutions. The South African delegation has proposed inviting mayors, municipal managers, and urbanization experts from BRICS countries to the forum. They have also identified a list of countries and international organizations, including Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, and the United Nations Development Programme, to attend the meeting.

BRICS Urbanisation Forum

The BRICS Urbanisation Forum, initiated in 2013, serves as a platform for dialogue and cooperation among the member countries on key urban development issues. The 2023 edition of the forum will focus on “Urban Resilience for Sustainable Urban Development,” addressing the challenges posed by rapid urbanization, climate change, and resource constraints. The forum aims to promote innovation and creativity in building resilient and sustainable cities.

China’s Proposals

China has put forth several proposals for discussion at the meeting, including upgrading the forum to ministerial level, organizing side events such as mayors’ and experts’ seminars, and inviting BRICS Plus countries to attend the forum.

South Africa’s Recommendations

In response, South Africa has recommended convening the 2023 Urbanisation Forum at the Director-General level, with the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs presiding over the opening ceremony. The South African delegation has proposed inviting mayors, municipal managers, and urbanization experts from BRICS countries to the forum. They have also identified a list of countries and international organizations, including Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, and the United Nations Development Programme, to attend the meeting.

The Upcoming BRICS Urbanisation Forum

The 2023 BRICS Urbanisation Forum will be held in eThekwini, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, from 26 to 27 July 2023. The forum will contribute to the outcomes of the BRICS Summit scheduled for August 2023. Minister Kubayi’s address highlights the importance of international cooperation in tackling the challenges of sustainable urban development and achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 ‘Sustainable Cities and Communities’ and SDG 17 ‘Partnerships for the Goals.’

The upcoming BRICS Urbanisation Forum will serve as a critical platform for dialogue and collaboration on key urban development issues among BRICS countries and other stakeholders. By promoting innovation and creativity in building resilient and sustainable cities, the forum will contribute to the achievement of the United Nations’ SDGs and foster a more equitable, just, and sustainable future for all citizens. Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi’s discourse emphasizes the importance of international cooperation to achieve sustainable urban development goals.