Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates 'Urban Adda 2025' Event in New Delhi to Foster Inclusive Urban Development.

On June 3, 2025, Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, who heads the Ministry of Labour & Employment and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, inaugurated the 'Urban Adda 2025 Conclave' at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. The three-day event, running from June 3 to 5, 2025, also featured the launch of landmark books on cycling.

      - The conclave was organized by the New Delhi-based Raahgiri Foundation in collaboration with the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), headquartered in Washington, D.C. (USA), and GuruJal, based in Gurugram, Haryana.

      - The event received support from Nagarro SE, a company headquartered in Munich, Germany.

      - Key dignitaries at the event included Rekha Gupta (Delhi CM), Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh (Delhi Transport Minister), Rao Narbir Singh (Haryana Minister), and Rajyavardhan Rathore (Rajasthan Minister), as the conclave promoted sustainable urban development and active, clean transport like cycling.

Main Point :-   (i) The Urban Adda 2025 conclave features a wide range of thematic sessions focusing on critical aspects of sustainable urban development. These include discussions on climate-resilient cities, gender and mobility, clean air and water, waste management, and inclusive transport systems. One of the key components is Youth Adda, a dedicated forum empowering young voices to actively participate in shaping urban transformation.

      (ii) To mark World Bicycle Day (June 3), the event hosted a Cyclothon with over 100 enthusiastic cyclists promoting the message of active mobility and sustainable transport. Another major attraction is the Urban Adda Film Festival (UAFF-25) scheduled for June 4, 2025, which will showcase short films on climate resilience and urban innovation. Additionally, interactive public art exhibits, curated by renowned artist Sagar Singh, bring a vibrant touch to the venue with a fusion of art, sustainability, and movement in the central atrium.

(iii) During the conclave, two landmark publications were launched, coinciding with World Bicycle Day. These include “Cycling, Children & Cities” authored by Dr. Bhairavi Joshi, and “Road to Cycle2School” co-authored by Dr. Bhairavi Joshi and Ar. Kush Parikh. These books aim to inspire and support cities in developing safer and more accessible cycling environments for children and communities.
About International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT)