About Us
The Urban Collective Action Network brings together people, communities, policymakers, and state agencies in
Tier II and Tier III Indian cities, creating a safe space to discuss and solve challenges—leading to stronger urban
governance and a more livable, inclusive city experience.
Vision
Indian cities should be livable, equitable, and inclusive—places where all citizens are empowered to partner with government agencies to improve last-mile service delivery.
Mission
We are a network of organisations working to strengthen urban problem-solving in emerging Indian cities.
By creating safe spaces for people, communities, and policymakers to come together, we foster collaborative solutions that lead to more inclusive governance and a richer, more livable urban experience.
Our approach is grounded in collective action, a multisectoral systems lens, and a strong commitment to citizen participation in policymaking.
Governing
Principles
The Collective operates according to the following core principles:
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Citizen-centric approaches
We prioritize amplifying citizens’ voices by championing solutions that center their needs, making participation and civic responsibilities more accessible, meaningful, and impactful. -
Inclusivity and Equity
We commit to inclusive development rooted in the socio-economic realities of vulnerable and marginalized communities—those often left out of traditional planning processes. -
Openness and transparency
We advocate for transparent governance practices at the local level to foster trust, accountability, and informed citizen engagement. -
Systems thinking with a multi-sectoral and long-term perspective
We promote coordinated city planning by encouraging interdepartmental collaboration and nurturinginstitutional memory, ensuring sustainable, holisticurban development. -
Collaborative partnerships
We actively partner with diverse stakeholders toidentify synergies and work collectively towards theshared vision of Indian Cities@2047.
Founding circle
Steering Committee
U-CAN’s steering committee brings deep, hands-on experience in implementing both programmatic and systemic interventions, collaborating with partners across multiple levels of governance.
