Chandigarh Mayor showcases City Beautiful at BRICS forum in Moscow

Delivering a keynote address at the BRICS Urban Future Forum in Moscow, city Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla positioned Chandigarh as a leader in creating technologically advanced and people-centric urban environments.

Speaking on “Technological Framework of the City: The Space of the Future”, Babla highlighted the city’s unique approach to urban planning and its commitment to a high quality of life, which she noted is fundamentally different from other tech hubs.

The mayor started her address by extending congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday, which coincides with the forum, noting his vision for technological innovation and world peace. The mayor stressed that modern urban development is about more than just buildings; it’s about fostering resilient ecosystems powered by technology, inclusivity and innovation. She emphasized that despite a rapidly increasing population, Chandigarh remains dedicated to its founding principles.

Babla outlined Chandigarh’s strategy for creating a high-quality city of life, focusing on three key areas — social and cultural vibrancy, education and healthcare and smart city initiatives. Babla announced the recent launch of the Chandigarh Startup Policy, a strategic move to empower IT professionals to not only join established companies but also to build their own startups. The policy aims to create a robust and supportive ecosystem for new ventures.