Birmingham and Punjab unite for urban sustainability

A major milestone in UK-India collaboration on urban sustainability was marked in September 2025 by a three-day international symposium held in Punjab, India. Hosted at the Munjal Birmingham City University Centre of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MBCIE) and Lovely Professional University (LPU), the event brought together leading academics, policymakers, industry experts, and early-career researchers under the SSG-Bridge project—jointly funded by the British Council (UK) and the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR).

Titled “Enhancing Urban Resilience and Sustainability through UK-India Collaboration”, the symposium showcased a strategic partnership between Birmingham City University (UK), MBCIE (Ludhiana), LPU, and the Public Action Committee (PAC, Ludhiana). The focus was clear: advancing Smart, Sustainable and Green (SSG) cities through knowledge exchange, co-creation, and policy innovation.

senior university leaders including Vice-Chancellor Dr. Jaspal Singh Sandhu, Vice President Dr. Aman Mittal, and Senior Dean Dr. Neeta Raj Sharma, who described the symposium as a vital “bridge” between the two nations. Plans were announced to establish an Indo-UK SSG Research Centre at LPU, reinforcing a long-term commitment to collaborative innovation in public health, environmental resilience, and human development.

Keynote speakers from Birmingham City University included Dr. Vahid Javidroozi, UK Project Lead, who advocated for a people-centred approach to smart cities, and Professor Cham Athwal, UK Co-Lead, who emphasised the strategic importance of UK-India partnerships in tackling global urban challenges.

Representing Birmingham City Council, Karolina Medwecka delivered a policy perspective, showcasing Birmingham’s leadership in community-led urban regeneration and inclusive economic growth. Her presentation highlighted the Council’s commitment to green energy transition and retrofit, smart innovation, nature based solutions and the inclusive economy.

As a city, Birmingham recognises the urgent need to accelerate and integrate our efforts across these areas. The upcoming Birmingham symposium in June 2026 will be a key moment to showcase progress, address challenges, and position Birmingham as a leader in place-based SSG innovation. We look forward to welcoming partners and demonstrating our commitment to inclusive, climate-resilient development.