India, May 31 -- India's urban centres already account for the majority of its economic output and are projected to generate more than 70% of new employment opportunities by 2030. The success stories in waste management from Indore and Ambikapur, alongside the scaling of Ahmedabad's heat action plan to over 100 cities, illustrates India's growing resolve to shape cities for a better future.

Nevertheless, growth driven by urbanisation often comes with systemic risks that can undermine its gains. A particularly pressing challenge is the exacerbation of external geopolitical shocks. The global environment for cities has become increasingly volatile, with the Russia-Ukraine conflict, escalating tensions in West Asia, and disruptions in globa...