Imagine a world where cities, once isolated in their struggles, unite to tackle global challenges together. That’s exactly what’s happening as Kampala, Uganda’s vibrant capital, joins hands with other global capitals in Moscow to launch the BRICS Parliamentary Movement—a groundbreaking initiative that promises to reshape urban development, sustainable growth, and city diplomacy. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: this isn’t just another international gathering; it’s a bold step toward creating a platform where cities from diverse backgrounds can share ideas, resources, and solutions to common problems. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about infrastructure or technology; it’s about building a world order rooted in equality, trust, and mutual respect.
Led by Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki, a Ugandan delegation traveled to Moscow on Monday to participate in the historic signing of the Joint Statement of the Parliamentary Movement of the BRICS Capitals. This event wasn’t just ceremonial; it marked the birth of a new international framework designed to foster collaboration among major cities within the BRICS community and beyond. Controversially, some might argue that such initiatives are too ambitious or unrealistic, but here’s the counterpoint: in a world grappling with climate change, digital divides, and uneven development, this movement offers a rare opportunity for cities to learn from one another and collectively address these pressing issues.
The Parliamentary Movement aims to create a dynamic space for dialogue and partnership, focusing on critical urban challenges like infrastructure development, digital transformation, environmental sustainability, and climate-resilient growth. Aleksey Shaposhnikov, Chairman of the Moscow City Duma, aptly described it as ‘a new chapter in international cooperation,’ emphasizing the potential of municipal partnerships to drive global change. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Can cities truly transcend geopolitical tensions and economic disparities to work together effectively? Let’s discuss this in the comments.
The event drew high-profile attendees, including Russian officials such as Federation Council Deputy Chairpersons Konstantin Kosachev and Inna Svyatenko, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Ryabkov, and Sergey Cheremin, Minister of the Moscow Government. Uganda’s Ambassador to Russia, Moses Kizige, was also present, alongside delegations from Minsk (Belarus), Brasília (Brazil), Havana (Cuba), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Tehran (Iran), and Tshwane (South Africa). This diverse representation underscores the movement’s inclusivity and global reach.
Speaking on behalf of Kampala, Buzeki reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to the partnership, framing it as a unique opportunity for cities facing similar developmental hurdles to unite. She poignantly remarked, ‘A city alone can go fast, but together we can reach so far,’ highlighting Kampala’s growing role in global conversations on sustainable urban management and diplomacy. Her words echo a broader truth: collaboration, not competition, is the key to solving 21st-century challenges.
Following the Moscow event, the KCCA delegation will head to St. Petersburg for the BRICS Municipal Forum from October 28 to 31, 2025. Here, they’ll explore further opportunities for collaboration on urban innovation, governance, and development. This back-to-back engagement demonstrates Kampala’s proactive approach to global partnerships and its determination to position Uganda as a leader in urban sustainability.
The establishment of the Parliamentary Movement of the BRICS Capitals is more than just a diplomatic milestone; it’s a call to action for cities worldwide. By deepening cooperation among city-level institutions, this initiative opens new avenues for sharing best practices, promoting sustainable growth, and strengthening people-to-people ties. But here’s the real question: Will this movement live up to its promise, or will it remain a lofty ideal? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear your perspective on whether this is the future of urban collaboration or just another well-intentioned effort.
