(ANI)
NEW DELHI: At the 7th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), Union minister of state for environment, forest and climate change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, delivered India’s National Statement, highlighting the country’s achievements in sustainability, clean energy, and environmental protection.Singh emphasised India’s people-focused approach to environmental solutions, its strong domestic achievements, and its commitment to the principles of Equity and Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC). He expressed appreciation to Kenya and UNEP for the arrangements and noted that the UNEA-7 theme, Advancing Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Planet, aligns closely with India’s values. He said the theme resonates with “India’s long-standing commitment to living in harmony with nature and with our national vision of inclusive, sustainable, and climate-resilient development.” The minister highlighted Mission LiFE, describing it as a global movement under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, “that promotes mindful consumption and encourages individual and collective action to adopt sustainable lifestyles.” He added that India’s environmental goals reflect the people’s consistent demand for “clean air, safe water, healthy ecosystems, and a secure future for the next generation.”
Clean energy, ecological achievements
Singh highlighted India’s progress in clean energy, stating that the country has “already reached 50% non-fossil installed electricity capacity, significantly ahead of our target.” He noted that programmes such as PM Surya Ghar and PM-KUSUM are enabling households and farmers to access affordable clean energy while encouraging active public participation in climate action.The minister also spoke about India’s ecological efforts, including the nationwide movement Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, under which more than 2.6 billion saplings have been planted, drawing a parallel between caring for mothers and nurturing Mother Earth. Singh mentioned river rejuvenation initiatives, including Namami Gange, as examples of science-based and community-driven approaches.
Global leadership and multilateral cooperation
Singh reaffirmed India’s leadership in multilateral platforms, citing collaboration through the International Solar Alliance, Global Biofuels Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and International Big Cat Alliance. “India’s longstanding commitment to South–South cooperation and to strengthening the voice of the Global South in shaping global environmental solutions,” he said.He also highlighted the importance of finance, technology transfer, and capacity-building, especially for developing countries, and called for UNEA outcomes that complement existing Multilateral Environmental Agreements. Recognising growing wildfire threats, he noted India’s pilot resolution on integrated fire management and expressed gratitude, stating, “We thank the co-sponsors and other member States for their constructive engagement and support on the resolution.”Concluding his statement, Singh said India views environmental action not merely as a policy imperative but as a pathway to dignity, opportunity, and well-being. Guided by the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family – India reaffirmed its commitment to work constructively with all member states for a sustainable future and a resilient planet. Go to Source
