A three-day multi-level multi-stakeholder dialogue on Sustainable Urbanisation is underway in Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh). The meeting from 3-5 February 2026, is working to build on the strong commitment across the key sectors in Madhya Pradesh to ensuring sustainable, inclusive, climate smart urban development.

Commonwealth Sustainable Cities Coalition (CSCC)

This dialogue is part of a wider initiative, the Commonwealth Sustainable Cities Coalition (CSCC) funded by the FCDO and being delivered by the Commonwealth Sustainable Cities Initiative (CSCI) – which brings together the Commonwealth organisations representing local government, built environment professionals, universities and supported by the King’s Foundation.

Dialogue in Madhya Pradesh

The State level dialogue is building on the Government of India support for the Commonwealth Declaration on Sustainable Urbanisation. The dialogue in Bhopal is intended to provide a platform to strategically identify the State level challenges around urbanisation, including an in depth focus around three key themes (Housing, Urban Finance and Integrated Planning), and to identify key capacity gaps and opportunities for action. The meeting will draw on good practice from within the State, in India and more widely from across the Commonwealth. ​

High level opening

The meeting was inaugurated by Shri Pushyamitra Bhargav, Mayor of Indore and Mr Sanjay Dubey IAS Add Chief Secretary, Urban Development Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh, along with Dyan Currie AM, Past President, Commonwealth Association of Planners (CAP), Dr Jairaj Phatak, Director General, All India Institute of Local Self Government (AIILSG) and Lucy Slack, Secretary General, CLGF.

Thematic areas 

Key thematic areas addressed in the meeting included the specific context and pressures of urbanization in being experienced in Madhya Pradesh, climate change and resilience in urban areas, housing, integrated planning, urban finance, inclusion, skills development and employment. Discussions looked at cross thematic enablers such as data, digital technologies, capacity building and public participation. The meeting will continue for a third day in which participants will co-create a road map for action on reinforcing sustainable urbanization in Madhya Pradesh.

CLGF is looking forward to work with its members in India and the CSCI partners on support the implementation of the roadmap in Madhya Pradesh.