The School of Human Settlements, XIM University, Odisha, along with the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), New Delhi as its knowledge partner, hosted its annual urban conclave, Annual Research on Cities Summit 6.0 from10-12 February 2022. The theme for ARCS 6.0 was ‘Urban Green Transition: Decoding Opportunities and Challenges.’

The event was sponsored by HabituX- The Student Association of SHS in collaboration with CAS-SHS. The event began with the welcoming note of Dr. Kajri Misra, Dean, School of Human Settlements followed by an inaugural speech by Fr. S Antony Raj SJ, Registrar, XIM University, Odisha, and a keynote address by Shri Kunal Kumar, Joint Secretary and Mission Director (MoHUA, GoI).

The School of Human Settlements and the entire fraternity of XIM University believe that cities must focus on sustainable choices in order to avoid the adverse effects of climate change. Thus, ARCS 6.0 aimed to bring together the greatest global minds to show a way forward.

More than 100 national and international speakers and presenters were part of ARCS 6.0. The conference had multiple sub-themes and 60 papers were presented on urban issues like digital transformation, E-governance, circular economy, gender-sensitive cities, green mobility, environmental risk, resilience, etc. The topics for the four-panel discussions were:

1. Urban Green Transitions: Global Agenda, Local Action
2. Role of Markets in Delivering Affordable and Adequate Housing in India

• Climate Action in Cities

1. Lessons from JAGA Mission: A Participatory Slum Upgradation Programme in Odisha

During the valedictory ceremony on 12^th February 2022, the conference round-up was presented by Dr. Tathagata Chatterji, Convener, ARCS 6.0. followed by the keynote address by Shri Hitesh Vaidya, Director NIUA, New Delhi. The results of the AURA award and photo essay competition were declared by Fr. S. Antony Raj SJ, Registrar, XIM University, and Shri Sarath Babu M, Lead- Data and Technology, Climate Centre for Cities, NIUA respectively. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Jublee Mazumdar Co-convenor, ARCS 6.0.

By: Priya Bharti  (Reporter at Interview Times and an Alumna of IIMC, Dhenkanal)