New Delhi: The Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO), through its research and training wing — the Human Settlement Management Institute (HSMI) — successfully concluded the 57th Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) training programme on ‘Making Cities Sustainable’, held from August 20 to September 2, 2025.
Sponsored by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, this two-week initiative brought together 24 urban professionals from 22 countries, including Ghana, Iraq, Jordan, Zimbabwe, and Uganda, to collaborate, share best practices, and learn from India’s urban development journey.
Urban Sustainability at the Core
The programme focused on pressing urban challenges and sustainability concerns arising from rapid urbanisation. Sessions included thematic lectures on:
- Urbanisation and global sustainability trends
- Affordable housing models
- Green mobility and transportation
- Smart city innovations
- Waste management and water-sensitive urban design
The training aimed to equip professionals with the tools and insights necessary for designing and managing sustainable urban environments in their respective countries.
Leadership Insights from HUDCO CMD
At both the inaugural and valedictory sessions, Sanjay Kulshrestha, CMD of HUDCO, addressed the participants. He spoke about the need for resilient urban planning, especially in the face of climate change and rising urban population densities. Kulshrestha also highlighted India’s green urban initiatives and how HUDCO has been playing a critical role in financing and supporting sustainable urban infrastructure.
Cultural Exchange and Field Visits
Beyond classroom sessions, participants engaged in:
- Study visits to urban development project sites
- Group exercises focused on city-specific sustainability strategies
- Country presentations to share localized urban challenges and innovations
- Cultural immersion experiences, offering a glimpse of India’s rich heritage and diversity
This blend of academic insight and cultural exchange helped build cross-border collaboration and knowledge sharing, reinforcing the spirit of international cooperation under ITEC.
About the ITEC Programme
Launched in 1964, the ITEC Programme is India’s flagship diplomatic initiative for capacity building in partner countries, offering training across various sectors such as urban development, IT, finance, health, and disaster management. The programme is administered by the Ministry of External Affairs and has trained thousands of professionals from more than 160 countries.
About HUDCO
Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO) is a Government of India-owned public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). Established in 1970, HUDCO primarily focuses on financing housing and urban infrastructure development projects across India.
Read also: HUDCO Signs MoU with MoHUA for FY 2025-26, Targets ‘Excellent’ Performance Benchmarks
