Imagine Panaji Smart Cities Development Limited (IPSCDL), in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA), Govt. of India, and esteemed partners such as Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), and the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), is spearheading the “Integrated Urban Climate Action for Low-Carbon Resilient Cities (Urban Act)” project in Panaji. This initiative, endorsed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), underscores IPSCDL’s commitment to fostering sustainable urban development. With regional partners including the University of Dortmund and the University of Stuttgart, IPSCDL aims to pioneer innovative solutions for building low-carbon, resilient cities in Panaji and beyond.
Given the pressing urgency of climate change, this workshop held significant importance. Panaji, the capital of Goa, has recently been identified as one of the 15 Indian cities at high risk due to climate change. Recognising this serious concern, IPSCDL aims to enhance the city’s capacity to address climate challenges through the collaboration event.
The primary objective of this workshop was to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences concerning the development of urban resilience to climate change. Through fostering collaboration and promoting understanding among stakeholders, the workshop aimed to address local challenges and identify areas for improvement, ultimately contributing to the cities integrated planning framework and enhancing its ability to withstand the impacts of climate change.
Sanjit Rodrigues, MD & CEO of Imagine Panaji Smart Cities Development Limited said “The workshop on Integrated Urban Climate Action for Low-Carbon Resilient Cities (Urban Act) signifies a pivotal moment in our efforts to enhance city climate resilience in Panaji, our state capital. We would like to take ideas from across the world and focus on the things that are implementable and Goa centric. We would like to crystallise all these ideas into a rulebook and make it policy-driven. This Workshop is paramount as it brings together key stakeholders to address the pressing need for sustainable urban development. By fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge, the workshop aims to formulate strategies for building a low-carbon, resilient urban environment in Panaji. This initiative holds immense value as it equips us with the tools and insights needed to mitigate climate risks and ensure a sustainable future for our city. “
Sebastian Markart , Senior Advisor (GIZ) and Dr.-Ing. Wiriya Puntub – Research Associate (IRPUD) conducted the workshop and drew insights into strategies and planning towards achieving the goals of Climate Resilience for the city of Panaji. Representatives from the Department of TCP, Panaji Municipal Corporation, architects, consultants and other stakeholders were also present for this workshop held in the capital city today.
