Urban Adda 2025
3rd–5th June 2025 · India Habitat Centre, New Delhi
Cities for People, Not Cars
A three-day conference co-creating sustainable, equitable and resilient cities — blending policy dialogue, creative expression and youth engagement, from World Bicycle Day to World Environment Day.
- Dates
- 3–5 Jun 2025
- Venue
- India Habitat Centre
- Duration
- 3-Day Conclave
- Edition
- Inaugural Edition
Event Overview
Urban Adda 2025 — Reimagining the Cities We Deserve
Urban Adda 2025 was conceived as a three-day national conference bringing together the most interesting ideas and successful demonstrations of work on sustainable and equitable cities. Held from 3rd to 5th June 2025 — from World Bicycle Day to World Environment Day — at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
The conclave was organised by the Raahgiri Foundation, in partnership with the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and GuruJal, with support from Nagarro.
Path-breaking in its format, Urban Adda blended rigorous policy dialogue with creative expression, youth engagement and cross-sectoral collaboration — uniting policymakers, activists, youth and citizens to imagine cities that are walkable, breathable, equitable and vibrant.
The inaugural edition was launched by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, with the participation of Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta and other senior dignitaries.
Collaboration & partnership
Organisers & Partners
Host organiser
Partner
Co-host
Supported by
Context & purpose
Why Urban Adda Was Needed
India stands at a critical juncture in its urban journey. As the population surges towards 1.7 billion by 2047 — with over 50% living in cities — the urgency to shape sustainable, equitable and resilient urban spaces has never been greater. Urban Adda was created as a space to confront these challenges openly and co-create solutions.
- Reclaim the urban commons and restore joy in city living
- Bring policymakers, activists, youth and citizens into one shared space
- Bridge rigorous policy dialogue with creative and grassroots expression
- Champion walkability, clean air, road safety and active mobility
- Place water security and climate resilience at the heart of urban planning
What we set out to do
Objectives of the Event
- 01
Reframe cities around people — prioritising walkability, cycling and active mobility over car-centric design.
- 02
Place water security and climate resilience at the centre of the urban planning conversation.
- 03
Empower young people through Youth Adda to shape and lead urban transformation.
- 04
Blend policy dialogue with creative expression — film, art and public exhibits.
- 05
Foster cross-sectoral collaboration across government, civil society and citizens.
- 06
Turn awareness into action — moving from conversation to tangible, equitable urban solutions.
Three days, three themes
Programme & Daily Themes
- Day 1 · 3rd June · World Bicycle Day01
Gati & Grace — Mobility, Art & Access for All
Cyclothon + ministerial inaugural
The conclave opened on World Bicycle Day with a Cyclothon of over 100 cyclists and the inaugural address by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, who called cycling the "solution to pollution." The day celebrated active mobility, public art and equitable access to city streets.
- Day 2 · 4th June · Youth & Cinema02
Youth Adda & Urban Adda Film Festival
Youth Adda · UAFF-25 · Gala Night
Day two centred young changemakers through Youth Adda — a forum empowering students and youth to shape urban transformation. The evening featured the Urban Adda Film Festival (UAFF-25), screening short films on climate resilience and urban innovation, followed by a Gala Night.
- Day 3 · 5th June · World Environment Day03
Imagining Water Secure & Climate Resilient Cities
Anchored by GuruJal
The final day, anchored by GuruJal, placed the spotlight on India's urban water emergency. The panel "Imagining Water Secure Cities" and the closing session on "Ecological Solutions for Climate Resilient Cities" brought together voices from governance, community action and corporate innovation.
Voices & dignitaries
Voices at Urban Adda 2025
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya
Union Minister
Youth Affairs & Sports, GoI
Smt. Rekha Gupta
Chief Minister
Government of Delhi
Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh
Transport Minister
Government of Delhi
Shri Rao Narbir Singh
Cabinet Minister
Government of Haryana
Shri Rajyavardhan Rathore
Minister
Government of Rajasthan
Ms. Pooja Bedi
Actor & Changemaker
Film Festival Gala Night
Urban Adda 2025 featured over 100 speakers across 30 sessions. Above are the key ministerial and celebrity voices — explore the full lineup on the official event site.
Learnings from the floor
Key Insights & Learnings
- 01
Design Cities for People, Not Cars
A fundamental question drove the dialogue: what would cities look like if designed for people instead of cars? Speakers pushed a vision of human-centric cities — where walkability, cycling and safe streets are the default, not the exception.
- 02
Water Security Is an Urban Emergency
The "Imagining Water Secure Cities" panel made it clear that a day without water is a harsh reality for millions. As cities expand, water can no longer be an afterthought — it must be designed into urban planning from the start.
- 03
Youth and Creativity Drive Change
Urban Adda proved that policy alone does not move cities — young voices, film and public art do too. By blending Youth Adda, a film festival and creative exhibits with formal dialogue, the event turned awareness into shared momentum.
Event gallery
Moments from Urban Adda 2025
What the event achieved
Outcomes & Next Steps
Active Mobility on the Agenda
A Cyclothon of 100+ riders and a ministerial call for cycling reinforced active mobility as central to healthy, low-pollution cities.
Urban Water Crisis Spotlighted
The 'Imagining Water Secure Cities' panel placed India's urban water emergency firmly in the national urban-planning conversation.
Youth Voices Amplified
Youth Adda created a dedicated platform for young people to shape and lead conversations on the future of their cities.
Cinema as a Climate Tool
The Urban Adda Film Festival showcased short films on climate resilience, proving creative media's power to shift public mindset.
Cross-Sector Dialogue Strengthened
Government, civil society, corporates and citizens shared one platform — building momentum for continued collaboration.
A Movement, Not Just an Event
Urban Adda established itself as a recurring movement to reclaim the urban commons and restore joy in city living.
Be part of the journey
Who Should Engage
Urban Adda brings together a deliberately diverse community — because building liveable cities demands it.
Policymakers & Government
Officials and institutions shaping urban policy, mobility and water governance across cities.
Urban Planners & Architects
Professionals designing the streets, transit systems and public spaces of tomorrow's cities.
Youth & Students
Young changemakers ready to shape, question and lead the urban transformation agenda.
Researchers & Academia
Institutions working on mobility, climate, water and the science of liveable cities.
Civil Society & Citizens
NGOs, active citizens and community groups working to reclaim the urban commons.
Artists & Storytellers
Filmmakers, artists and creators using culture to reimagine the cities we live in.
Continue the journey
The Cities We Deserve Are Ours to Build
Urban Adda 2025 reaffirmed that sustainable cities are not a distant ideal — they are built through dialogue, youth energy, creative expression and the everyday choices of citizens. Write to us at management@gurujal.org to explore future editions.