In a keynote address at the World Sustainable Development Summit 2024 held at TERI in New Delhi today, Vice-President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar underscored the imperative for international leadership in advancing environmental protection and climate justice worldwide. He stressed the necessity of ingraining these principles deeply into the social framework of nations.
Highlighting India’s initiatives that harmonize economic growth with ecological preservation, the Vice-President hailed India as a guiding light for nations globally. He emphasized the interconnected nature of our world, where challenges transcend borders, impacting vulnerable communities and ecosystems worldwide.
Central to sustainable development, he noted, is the transition to clean and renewable energy sources, which not only combats climate change but also fosters economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement. He reiterated India’s commitment to action, evident through policy implementation reflecting dedicated advocacy.
Expressing apprehension regarding the looming threat of climate change, the Vice-President stressed the necessity of aligning economic progress with sustainable development goals, ensuring a legacy of pride for future generations. While acknowledging the daunting challenges, he remained optimistic, advocating for collective action, innovation, and international cooperation to secure a sustainable future for all.
Addressing the summit, Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change and Employment and Labour, Shri Bhupender Yadav, lauded India’s rapid transition to renewable energy under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership. He highlighted India’s addition of approximately 100 GW of installed electric capacity between 2017 and 2023, with 80% sourced from non-fossil-fuel-based resources. Shri Yadav underscored India’s commitment to climate justice, affirming energy access as a fundamental right while advocating for affordability and cleanliness in energy provision.
