The launch of the Global River Cities Alliance (GRCA) at COP28, spearheaded by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), signifies an expansion of the River Cities Alliance (RCA) established by NMCG and the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) in 2021.
Unprecedented Reach and Collaborative Partnerships
GRCA stands out as an extraordinary alliance, encompassing 275+ global river cities spanning 11 countries. Partner countries such as India, Egypt, Netherlands, Denmark, Ghana, Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia, and Japan, along with prominent international funding agencies including The World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and KPMG, have come together, signifying a remarkable augmentation of the alliance.
GRCA River Conservation and Sustainable Water Management
The initiation of GRCA marks a significant stride in worldwide endeavors aimed at conserving rivers and promoting sustainable water management. This alliance stands as a groundbreaking endeavor, underscoring the dedication to collaborative measures for the welfare of rivers and their ecosystems.
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Establishing a Framework for Urban River Management Plans
GRCA functions as an unparalleled platform facilitating knowledge exchange, river-city twinning, and the distribution of best practices. The objective is to cultivate shared expertise and create avenues for global funding agencies to collaborate with river cities.
Backing from Multilateral Institutions
During the launch event, notable multilateral institutions, including The World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank, voiced their complete support for GRCA.
The discussions underscored the imperative to bolster water security by providing financial backing and technical support, particularly emphasizing areas such as sanitation, irrigation, and resilience against natural disasters.