A three-day international symposium in Punjab has reinforced India and the United Kingdom’s partnership in urban sustainability. The event aimed to promote smart, green cities and create a resilient urban environment.

The effort, organised under the SSG-Bridge project, is supported equally by the British Council (UK) and the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), India. The symposium, titled “Enhancing Urban Resilience and Sustainability through UK-India Collaboration,” brought together prominent academics, policymakers, industry experts, and early-career researchers. Participants shared knowledge on innovative urban planning, sustainable infrastructure, and environmental solutions to tackle challenges posed by rapid urbanisation.

The collaboration unites several prominent institutions, including Birmingham City University (UK), MBCIE, Lovely Professional University, and PAC, Ludhiana. The partnership’s goal is to translate research into actionable solutions for resilient city development while also encouraging worldwide collaboration in sustainable urban practices.

Experts emphasised the necessity of cross-border cooperation in solving climate, social, and economic concerns in urban areas. The symposium demonstrated both countries’ commitment to sustainable development and highlighted the power of shared expertise to revolutionise urban planning. By combining research, innovation, and policy insights, India and the UK hope to pave the path for greener, smarter cities that are capable of meeting future urban demands.