Pune meeting attended by 64 delegates; 15 experts discuss financing of cities
The first G20 Infrastructure Working Group (IWG) meeting has discussed financing cities of tomorrow, exploring ways to collate the data on infrastructure spending and make the data useful for the private sector.
Hosted by the Indian Presidency, the Pune meeting also discussed various facets of making cities economic centres of growth, financing urban infrastructure, building future-ready urban infrastructure, the role of cities in meeting sustainability targets, directing fiscal investments for unlocking private financing for energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable infrastructure and mitigating social imbalances.
Concluded on 17 Jan 2023, the Pune meeting was attended 64 delegates from 18 member countries, 8 guest countries and 8 international organizations.
On the side-lines, the meeting was also complemented by a High-Level Workshop on “Financing of Cities of Tomorrow” wherein over 15 international experts discussed the issues related to financing of the cities.
The Workshop discussed how the cities of tomorrow must tie together their key administrative functions – their planning, funding and financing – to increase private sector participation.
Divided into three inter-related sessions, the workshop focused on the infrastructure and related technical as well as managerial capacity needs to build the Cities of Tomorrow.
The Workshop also discussed how cities and higher governments could prepare themselves to increase private financing for Cities of Tomorrow.
During the IWG meeting, the delegates also had the opportunity to experience the rich cuisine, history and culture of Pune.
“Overall, the delegates not only had productive meetings but also enjoyed the cultural experiences that Pune had to offer,” Ministry of Finance said on 17 Jan 2023.
The second meeting of the Infrastructure Working Group is scheduled to be held in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, 28-29 March 2023. fiinews.com
