Kochi: The Kochi Corporation and Jain University’s Future Kerala Mission will jointly organise the ‘Future Kochi Conclave’ on November 6 and 7 to help formulate a comprehensive development policy for the city. The conclave will be held at the Jain University campus in collaboration with Cardiff University, UK.
The conclave will be inaugurated by Minister for Local Self-Government K.M. Shaji, while Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will deliver the keynote address on the second day. Minister for Higher Education Roji M. John and Minister for Fisheries V.E. Abdul Gafoor will also participate in various sessions.
A key highlight will be a panel discussion, chaired by the Minister for Local Self-Government, in which mayors will share best practices in urban governance. A special session will bring together the heads of neighbouring municipalities to explore ways to strengthen coordination and cooperation between the Kochi Corporation and surrounding urban local bodies.
In its previous budget, the Kochi Corporation had announced plans to formulate a comprehensive development policy for the city. According to Venu Rajamony, Chairman of the Future Kerala Mission and former Ambassador, the conclave aims to support the Corporation in developing this policy. It will bring together policymakers and experts to exchange ideas and explore ways to position Kochi as a sustainable, inclusive and globally competitive metropolitan city.
Over the two days, discussions will cover key urban development issues, including governance, waste management, urban finance, climate resilience, heritage conservation and the concerns of marginalised communities. Experts from India and abroad will participate in the deliberations. “ The academic community has an important role to play in shaping the development of a city. The skills, ideas and proactive spirit of the younger generation are vital to building its future. This platform has been conceived to harness the talent and energy of young people and channel them towards meaningful urban development. Kochi needs a development model that goes beyond infrastructure and places equal emphasis on inclusiveness and sustainability. Through the Future Kochi Conclave, Jain University seeks to create a platform where policymakers and administrators can engage with academia, exchange innovative ideas and draw on research to address the city’s challenges. We hope these deliberations will translate into practical solutions and contribute to Kochi’s long-term development,” said Dr. Tom M. Joseph, Director – New Initiatives, Jain University and Chief Facilitator, Future Kerala Mission.
The recommendations emerging from the conclave will be submitted to the State Government at the concluding session. Those interested in participating may contact the organisers at [email protected] .
