Odisha Officials Participate in ADB Urban Development Forum in Manila
State’s growing role in inclusive housing and water management highlighted on global stage
Two senior officials from Odisha’s Housing & Urban Development (H&UD) Department are representing the state at the prestigious Asian Development Bank’s Water and Urban Development Forum (AWUF) 2025, currently underway at ADB Headquarters in Manila, Philippines.
Held from May 27 to 30, the four-day event is themed “Valuing Water & Enhancing Liveability in Asia and the Pacific”, and brings together global policymakers, development experts, and thought leaders to explore innovative approaches to urban resilience and water sustainability.
Representing Odisha at the forum are Debasis Singh, Additional Secretary, and Sikha Biswal, FA-cum-Additional Secretary. Their participation reflects the state government’s increasing engagement in global discourse on sustainable urban development and its commitment to adopting international best practices.
Significantly, Debasis Singh has been invited to speak in a thematic session titled “Housing for All: Transforming Lives, Economies, and Communities.” His role as a panelist underscores Odisha’s notable progress in implementing inclusive housing policies and transformative urban initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for all citizens.
In recent years, Odisha has earned national and international recognition for its innovative urban policies, particularly in affordable housing, slum rehabilitation, and smart city planning. Singh’s presence at the forum as a speaker is seen as a testament to these achievements and the state’s growing leadership in this sector.
According to an official press release, the participation of senior H&UD officials at AWUF 2025 also emphasizes Odisha’s focus on integrated urban governance—combining housing, water supply, sanitation, and climate resilience into a cohesive framework.
“This forum provides an opportunity for Odisha to share its experiences, learn from global peers, and explore collaborations that can further strengthen the state’s urban and water management systems,” the statement read.
As cities in Asia and the Pacific grapple with rapid urbanization and climate challenges, platforms like AWUF offer a vital space for dialogue, innovation, and cross-country partnerships. Odisha’s active involvement signals its readiness to be part of that global solution.
