NIUA has strived to be a catalyst of change, driving the transformation of urban agenda and reinvigorating India’s urban ecosystem. Since its inception, NIUA has been consistently augmenting its efforts, and has been instrumental in making the following significant contributions:

• Promoting and Creating Action Research Outcomes - NIUA has been supporting evidence based policy research leading to policy reforms.
• Capacity Building and Knowledge exchange- Upskilling urban administrators and creating an interface between researchers and technical experts to equip the officials to address the urban societal challenges.
• Programs & projects- Various Centres of NIUA have been instrumental in delivering numerous programs and projects under the broad thematic areas.
• Strengthening Young professionals (through fellowships) –Under the guidance of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, NIUA has been building a cadre of young professionals through fellowships.
• Creating alliances and partnerships- NIUA is proud that it is acknowledged as the first port of call by many funding organisations and knowledge partners.
• Monitoring and contributing to SDGs - NIUA’s projects and programs are aligned towards the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in India.
• Innovations and Best Practices – NIUA is at the forefront of innovation within the urban realm and aims at fostering initiatives and gathering knowledge about cities of tomorrow.
• India’s Urban Story – India's Urban Story is designed to enhance the understanding of the urban phenomenon, how it has unfolded itself in India.