New Delhi: Shri Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, delivered a national statement today at the 50th session UN Environment Programme (UNEP), in Nairobi.
The Minister began his address by congratulating UN Environment Programme for completing 50 years of exceptional service to the global community.
The Minister stated, “India has been working with UNEP on critical environmental issues since 1972.” UNEP is a global leader in environment. He said that UNEP provides leadership and encourages collaboration in caring for the environment. It inspires, informs, and empowers nations and individuals to improve their quality life, without compromising future generations.
Shri Bhupendra Yadav stressed that UNEP’s 50th anniversary should serve to strengthen international cooperation, encourage collective action to address major environmental challenges of our times, including climate change and conserving and improving biodiversity. He also suggested that UNEP must move forward on the path to sustainability.
Shri Yadav emphasized that we must address the current environmental crises by using cutting-edge science and digital tools and technologies. Fostering global knowledge and technology exchange is crucial to this end.
The Minister noted that India hosted the 2018 World Environment Day under the theme Beat Plastic Pollution. Shri Narendra Modi, Honourable Prime Minister of India, made a global appeal for single-use plastics elimination. This call from India was instrumental in generating momentum that led to significant global action on plastic pollution, culminating ultimately in the historic resolution’s adoption. He added that this will institutionalize Beat Plastic Pollution around The World.
The Minister stated that UNEP should pay more attention to the issue of how to implement the agreements on the 50th anniversary. Implementing these agreements should not be seen as a burden to developing countries. It should be seen as a way to create a healthier and greener planet.
Shri Yadav also stated that sustainable lifestyles are essential for the survival of our planet. We believe that resource utilization must be based on mindful and deliberate use and not mindless or destructive consumption. The Honble Prime Minister urged us to live in the future. – Lifestyles for Environment at COP26 at Glasgow. UNEP and India should work together to spread the message about L.I.F.E. The global community should be aware of the importance of protecting the planet and humanity.
The Minister stated that India hopes to strengthen collaboration with UNEP in environmental issues, including multilateral and Conventions relating to the environment. UNEP must also have a strong portfolio of projects to meet the environmental requirements of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development and other multilaterally agreed global environmental goals.
The Minister concluded his remarks by saying that India is a country that talks the talk and takes responsibility for climate change and biodiversity. He said that India’s experience shows that all nations can work together to meet these challenges.