Global River Cities Alliance (GRCA)

December 13, 2023

The Global River Cities Alliance (GRCA), initiated by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, was officially launched at COP28, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai. This alliance brings together countries, river-cities, international funding agencies, and knowledge management partners to enhance the existing River Cities Alliance (RCA) formed by NMCG in collaboration with the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) in 2021. Following the launch, partner countries are set to coordinate post-COP activities, shaping the architecture of GRCA for effective implementation.

Unprecedented Scope and Partnerships

GRCA stands out as a unique alliance covering 275+ global river-cities across 11 countries. Notably, partner countries, including India, Egypt, Netherlands, Denmark, Ghana, Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia, Japan, and river-cities like The Hague (Den Haag), Adelaide, and Szolnok, have joined hands. International funding agencies such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and knowledge management institution KPMG have entered into a partnership, marking a significant expansion of the alliance.

The launch of GRCA marks a momentous step in global efforts toward river conservation and sustainable water management. This alliance is the first of its kind globally, signifying a commitment to collaborative action for the well-being of rivers and their ecosystems.

Framework for Urban River Management Plans

The GRCA is a unique platform for knowledge exchange, river-city twinning, and the dissemination of best practices. The platform aims to foster shared expertise and provide opportunities for global funding agencies to engage with river cities.

Multilateral Institutions Express Support

The event also witnessed the presence of multilateral institutions such as The World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank, all expressing their full support for the initiative. Discussions highlighted the need for enhancing water security through funding and technical assistance, with a strong focus on sanitation, irrigation, and resilience against natural disasters.

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