Mayor Babla attends Dubai summit: ‘Chance to share our achievements, learn from global experiences’

“Chandigarh’s true strength lies in its balance — a city where professionals can build their careers without sacrificing quality of life,” the mayor stated, underscoring the city’s growing competitiveness in the global IT and innovation ecosystem.

The Asia Pacific Cities Summit (APCS) 2025 was held at Expo City, Dubai, from October 26 to 29, 2025.

The APCS, organised under the aegis of the Vice-President’s Office for Political Affairs, UAE, and held at Expo City, Dubai, is a globally recognised platform that brings together mayors, city administrators, policy makers, and international experts from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. The summit serves as a forum to exchange knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions for the sustainable development of cities in a rapidly urbanising world.

Babla was a key participant in the Mayors’ Forum, an exclusive session reserved for mayors from across the world. She was invited to present her views under the “City Leadership and Economic Development” track during the Mayors’ Insights and Case Studies Spotlight.

Her address focused on Chandigarh’s innovative approaches to urban governance, sustainable infrastructure, sports-led community engagement, environmental management, and inclusive development. She also highlighted the city’s commitment to balancing modernisation with environmental sensitivity — reinforcing Chandigarh’s legacy as a “planned city” now evolving into a smart and sustainable city of the future.

The summit’s agenda included thematic sessions on urban innovation, smart city technologies, climate resilience, economic collaboration, and public-private partnerships, aimed at shaping the future of sustainable cities.

During her visit, Mayor Babla engaged in technical field trips, bilateral meetings, and networking sessions with fellow mayors and international delegates to explore opportunities for collaboration, investment, and knowledge exchange benefiting Chandigarh.

“It was a privilege to represent Chandigarh and India at a global platform like the Asia Pacific Cities Summit. Chandigarh has always been a symbol of visionary urban planning and progressive civic management. Our participation at APCS 2025 reaffirms our commitment to shaping cities that are sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready. This is an opportunity to share our achievements, learn from global experiences, and bring home new ideas to make Chandigarh an even better city for its citizens,” she said.