Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs & Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, welcomed delegates from G20 countries, guest countries, international organizations, and other dignitaries to the first meeting of the Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group under India’s G20 Presidency. The meeting was held in Bengaluru and Shri Puri delivered a video message to the attendees.
In his message, Shri Puri expressed his condolences to the people of Turkey and said that India will continue to extend all possible support in this difficult time. He emphasized the importance of the G20 theme of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One Earth, One Family, One Future” and said that it is crucial for all the delegates to come together and commit to an ambitious and action-oriented agenda.
Shri Puri highlighted the consequences of degrading biodiversity and the environment and said that tackling these issues requires a concerted effort by the G20 nations, who collectively account for a large portion of the world’s GDP, trade, and population. He stated that India is committed to promoting ‘climate justice’ and Prime Minister Modi’s announcement of the Panchamrit Action Plan, which aims to make India a net-zero emissions country by 2070, demonstrates that economy and ecology are not mutually exclusive.
The Minister emphasized the significance of the Working Group Meeting and said that it provides an opportunity for the G20 nations to adopt a concrete roadmap based on the recommendations from recent conferences. He added that the Working Group will enable a shift in mindset from ownership to stewardship of natural resources.
Shri Puri said that the First Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group meeting is a crucial step in promoting well-being and prosperity for all. The G20 nations have a critical role to play in addressing the interrelated issues of climate change and biodiversity loss, and the meeting provides a platform for nations to come together and take concrete action toward a sustainable future.
