Inspired by India's River Cities Alliance, a nine-nation "Global River Cities Alliance" (GRCA) was introduced on Sunday at the Indian Pavilion in Dubai on the sidelines of the ongoing COP28. The other eight members of the alliance are Denmark, Cambodia, Japan, Bhutan, Australia, Netherlands, Egypt, and Ghana.

The National Institute for Urban Affairs (NIUA) of the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry's National Mission for Clean Ganga, under the Jal Shakti ministry, will assume the role of the GRCA Secretariat to create the initial momentum for the alliance's activities, which will include high-level advocacy, knowledge sharing, capacity building, and bilateral interactions among member cities.

According to a statement by NIUA, the senior officials of multi-lateral funding agencies such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank have also pledged their support for the initiative.

The launch of the GRCA, according to National Mission for Clean Ganga director general G Asok Kumar, is evidence that river management is an issue of international concern. According to the release, he stated that India is pleased to spearhead the efforts in this regard.

There are currently 142 river cities in India that are part of the River Cities Alliance. The RCA provides a forum for members to debate issues about improving the condition of urban rivers within their respective administrative boundaries.

On the sidelines of COP28, on December 8, the National Mission for Clean Ganga and the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI) inked a Memorandum of Common Purpose (MoCP) on behalf of 124 American cities and towns along the Mississippi River. A comprehensive water monitoring programme, exchanging best practices for rehabilitating urban areas, and restoring aquatic ecosystems for projects aimed at sustainable urban growth will all be covered as part of the partnership.

Image source: X