Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, represented India at the G20 Environment Ministers’ Meeting held in Cape Town, South Africa, reaffirming India’s commitment to a sustainable, equitable, and collaborative environmental future. Addressing the session under the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability’, the Minister emphasized the importance of inclusivity, knowledge exchange, and technology transfer in driving the global sustainability agenda.
India’s Message: Equity and Responsibility
In his address, Shri Yadav extended gratitude to the Republic of South Africa for its leadership in promoting environmental solidarity and climate justice. Marking the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, he acknowledged the collective determination of nations to achieve their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), noting that India has already attained several targets ahead of schedule through proactive climate action and policy innovation.
The Minister reiterated that India remains part of the global solution and urged the G20 nations to act as a bridge between ambition and implementation. He highlighted the principle of “Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC)”, stressing that climate finance for developing countries must be treated as a duty, not merely a promise. “Equality is not a privilege – it is a right,” he asserted.
Advancing Sustainability Through Knowledge and Technology
Emphasizing India’s vision of harmonizing tradition and innovation, Shri Yadav recalled the message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who advocated going “back to the basics” while advancing toward a sustainable future. The Minister underlined the need for ecosystem-based solutions combined with futuristic technologies to achieve long-term climate resilience.
He also identified knowledge sharing, capacity building, and technology co-development and transfer as the core enablers of sustainability, particularly for developing countries seeking to strengthen their environmental management systems.
Promoting Collective and People-Centric Action
Shri Yadav advocated for a “whole-of-society” approach, highlighting that the fight against climate change requires participation from governments, industries, and individuals alike. He reinforced the concept of “pro-planet lifestyles”, reflecting India’s global initiative LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), which encourages sustainable consumption patterns and environmentally conscious living.
Appreciating the South African Presidency’s people-centric and integrated approach, the Minister expressed India’s strong support for fostering collaborative global partnerships aimed at tangible and inclusive environmental outcomes.
Conclusion
India’s participation at the G20 Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Cape Town reaffirmed its leadership in advocating equity, technology collaboration, and sustainable living practices. By promoting cooperation in knowledge, finance, and innovation, India continues to push for a united global effort toward a cleaner, fairer, and more sustainable planet.
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Source: PIB
