Making a dream come true, together

With cities ever-expanding, population ever-increasing and resources ever-depleting, it has become important that India’s cities develop in a way that supports quality of life, sustains economic growth and protects environment.

To achieve the same, the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow has recently signed separate agreements with Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai and TERI School of Advanced Studies (SAS) in New Delhi. Five Scottish Government scholarships were also launched for Indian students to study Strathclyde’s MSc in Global Sustainable Cities Programme.

The agreements would see the institutions combine their expertise to tackle challenges faced by those living in India’s major cities. To find potential solutions to these problems would be the aim of the tie-up. 

The MoU with TISS was signed by CP Mohan Kumar, Registrar of TISS, and Prof Atilla Incecik, Associate Principal & Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Strathclyde. The MoU with TERI SAS was signed by Captain Pradeep Padhy, registrar TERI School of Advanced Studies and professor Richard Bellingham, Director of the Institute of Future Cities at the University of Strathclyde. “India’s cities are growing rapidly and with that come a host of challenges — from urban planning to pollution to transport. India’s urbanisation also offers real opportunities to deliver better outcomes for Indian citizens and to lift millions out of poverty,” said Prof Incecik. He added, “Our partnerships aim to look at how India’s cities of the future can meet the demands and requirements of people through smarter approaches to policy and design.”

Also, Richard Bellingham, director of the Institute of Future Cities at the University of Strathclyd,  said that cities consume most of the global energy and emit 85 per cent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.  “That is why it is vital that we provide the next generation with the skills and understanding to become leaders in the design and delivery of sustainable city strategies.