New Delhi, February 19, 2024: The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) India hosted a workshop titled 'Adapting to the Edge: Urban and Coastal Climate Resilience' as part of its Climate Action Workshop Series in New Delhi. The event convened experts, practitioners, government bodies, and CSR leaders to discuss fostering nature-based solutions for a climate-resilient future.
During the workshop, the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat India and the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) inked a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance climate resilience. This collaboration aims to conduct action-based research, facilitate discussions, and establish coalition groups focusing on climate adaptation, urban habitat management, disaster risk resilience, and the promotion of nature-based solutions and biodiversity.
In his keynote address, Mr. Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa and former CEO of NITI Aayog, emphasized the importance of prioritizing nature-based solutions for urban and coastal resilience. He stated, “Coastal cities serve as critical hubs for national economic growth and host vital infrastructure which are under severe threat of climate change. Nature-based solutions must be prioritized, and we are making it a part of India’s resilience and adaptation strategy for urban and coastal regions. India has disaster-proofed communities, prioritized low carbon development and climate resilient infrastructure. Nature based solutions have demonstrated excellent returns on investment and can be scaled up. I strongly believe that collaboration and cooperation is key to tackle climate change. We should tap into innovative financing, and we must ensure that communities have a critical role to play along with access to best practices.”
Additionally, Onno Ruhl, General Manager of the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat and former World Bank India Director, highlighted India's capacity to lead climate action by harnessing its innovative and cost-effective approaches, including its resourceful and improvisational methods, and by developing engineering solutions that maximize outcomes while minimizing resource usage.
Shruti Narayan, Regional Director of C40 Cities for South and West Asia, led a masterclass on 'Unlocking the Value of Accelerating Climate Action'. Panel discussions focused on 'Nature-Based Solutions: Urban and Coastal Climate Resilience' and 'Urban Sustainability: Building Climate-Resilient Communities', emphasizing community participation and the integration of nature-based solutions.
Building upon the insights shared during these discussions, Prerana Langa, CEO, Aga Khan Agency for Habitat India, emphasized the agency's commitment to fostering climate resilience and driving positive change through collaboration and innovation.
The first session of the climate action workshop series occurred in Mumbai on November 22, 2023, and was noted by CSR representatives and government bodies.
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