Bhupender Yadav, Union Environment Minister, represented India at a special session (UNEA 5th) to mark the 50th anniversary UN Environment Programme (UNEP). He stated that the occasion should serve to strengthen international cooperation in order to address major environmental problems.
“UNEP’s 50th birthday must serve as a catalyst for international cooperation and encourage collective action in order to address the most pressing environmental problem of our time. This includes climate change, conserving and improving biodiversity, fighting pollution and moving towards sustainability.
The Union minister stressed that it was important to use the most up-to-date science and digital tools and technologies to address today’s environmental crisis.
Yadav stated that “for this, fostering global technology and knowledge exchange without barriers is crucial.”
The 5th UNEA started in Nairobi on Tuesday, February 28, and will end with the special session on Friday.
“I congratulate UNEP for completing 50 years of exceptional service to the global community.
Yadav stated that India has been working with UNEP since 1972 to address critical environmental issues.
“The UNEP has been a leading voice in the global environment movement. It is a leader and encourages collaboration in caring for the environment by inspiring and informing nations, and enabling them to improve their quality-of-life without compromising the future generations,” said the minister of environment.
He recalled that India hosted the 2018 World Environment Day under the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling for the elimination of single-use plastics.
“This Indian call provided the momentum that led to significant action against plastic pollution around the world, culminating with the historic resolution and its adoption. He stated that he believes this will institutionalize ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’ around the globe.
Yadav stated that UNEP must pay more attention on its 50th Anniversary to the question of how it implements the plan.
“Provisions of finance, technology transfers, and capacity building will ensure the implementation of this agreement are not a burden on countries in developing countries but a pathway towards a greener and more healthy planet,” he stated, adding that sustainable living is essential for the survival of our planet.
He said that India believes that resource utilisation must be mindful and not reckless and destructive.
“Our PM made a clarion call to LIFE- Lifestyles for Environment- at the COP 26 in Glasgow,” said the minister.
He stated that UNEP and India should work together to spread the message about LIFE to the world, with a view towards protecting humanity and the planet.
Yadav stated that India is looking forward to stronger cooperation with UNEP on environmental issues, including multilateral agreements and conventions relating to the environment.
He also called on UNEP to create a robust portfolio for projects, particularly to deliver on the environmental dimension of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and other agreed global environmental objectives.
“India talks the talk and speaks from a position of strength, responsibility and concern for biodiversity and climate change. Yadav stated, “India sends a message to hope and optimism that all nations and humanity can work together and face these challenges.”
A historic step was taken by 175 countries parties to the UNEA on March 2nd, when they signed a mandate calling to create a legally binding agreement that addresses the entire life cycle of plastics from production through disposal by 2024.
The UNEA stated in a statement that the mandate will guide the text of the treaty, which an International Negotiating Committee will be tasked to drafting and ratifying over two years.
