Chennai, India, 20th August 2019 –Municipal Commissioner Mr. G. Prakash (I.A.S.) on behalf of Greater Chennai Corporation, signed today a partnership agreement with the European Union International Urban Cooperation (IUC) progam.
By signing this agreement, GCC will engage with the partner city of Clermont Ferrand, France to develop a Local Action Plan on mutually agreed area of cooperation and exchange best practice experience and know-how.
Through this programme, GCC will align its smart city targets pertaining to sustainable urban development with international best practices and will experience sustainable benefits for the city.
Municipal commissioner of Greater Chennai Corporation has stated: “I express my high satisfaction about this partnership. The lessons learnt from the Chennai – Claremont Ferrand cooperation on urban best practices will be of great value to our city but also to other cities in Tamilnadu and neighbouring states”, he further added “global partnerships and exchange of technology are very important components of efficient urban planning. Chennai is taking the lead in this area and we are looking forward to a very productive partnership and useful outcome.”
Ms. Henriette Faergemann, Counsellor (Environment, Climate and Energy), European Union Delegation to India: “We are delighted to welcome Chennai as one of the IUC project cities. We place great importance in further strengthening the partnership between Chennai and Claremont and building on the Smart Cities work of GCC. Our objective is to reach tangible outcomes based on policy and technology contributions.”
IUC programme
The IUC programme boosts cooperation on sustainable urban development between EU cities and partner cities in India, East Asia, North and South America. IUC/India, is part of the corresponding global IUC Programme. It is financed by the European Union, and implemented by a consortium of GFA Consulting Group GmbH (leader) and CRISIL. Through the programme, local leaders will connect and gain new perspectives on pressing sustainable urban development issues. EU and Indian cities are paired based on common priorities and development interests, allowing both parties to build cooperation and share knowledge. Representatives from both cities will attend exchange visits and will together develop a local action plan to drive the cities' sustainable urban development.
About the European Union (EU):
The EU, which consists of 28 countries, has the world's largest economy and its third largest population, after China and India. Though richly diverse, the countries that make up the EU (its 'Member States') are all committed to the same basic values: peace, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights. They have set up common institutions so that decisions on matters of joint interest can be made democratically at European level. By creating a frontier-free single market and a single currency (the euro) which has been adopted by 19 Member States, the EU has given a significant boost to trade and employment. It is also at the forefront of policies on sustainability.
EU-India relations: For Over 50 years the EU and India have worked together to reduce poverty, prevent disasters, expand trade, and promote joint research in energy, health, agriculture and many other fields of mutual interest. More information at: http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/india
For more information on IUC consult www.iuc.eu or contact Ashish Verma averma@iuc-india.eu