India’s VP Emphasizes on Visionary Leadership, Says “Challenges Know No Borders” The occasion was presided by ministers, namely Ms Teresa Ribera Rodríguez Minister of the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, Spain, Mr Vatimi Rayalu Minister of Agriculture and Waterways, Fiji, and Mr Willie Tokataake (Minister, Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy, Kiribati.
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New Delhi: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said on Wednesday that climate justice should guide efforts to combat climate change, given the disproportionate impact it has on the most vulnerable communities. While addressing the inaugural session of the 23rd edition of the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS), the Vice President of India -Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized that sustainable development and containing climate change are quintessential to a secure future. “We must recognise that challenges we face know no borders,” said the Vice President of India.
Emphasising the need for integration, he further added, “the integration of sustainability into national planning, the allocation of budgets for green initiatives, and the launch of flagship schemes that prioritize environmental protection showcase India’s leadership in embracing a holistic and inclusive approach to development.”
The Vice President underscored, “the challenges we face are daunting, but they are not insurmountable. By joining forces, embracing innovation, and fostering international cooperation, we can pave the way for a sustainable and secure future for all. Let this Summit be a catalyst for action, inspiring us to redouble our efforts and work towards a world where the principles of sustainable development guide our every decision.”
Hon'ble Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar delivered the inaugural address at the World Sustainable Development Summit 2024 organised by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) at India Habitat Centre in New Delhi today.
H.E. Brigadier (Retd.) Mark Phillips, Prime Minister… pic.twitter.com/36d2tzGJNU
— Vice President of India (@VPIndia) February 7, 2024
Extending his warm wishes and congratulating TERI on successfully organising the Summit for over two decades, Bhupender Yadav, Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, shared, “the deliberations that take place at the Summit continues to be essential in determining the path of our sustainable future. We must come together in our shared commitment to promote sustainability and equity in society pledged by catastrophic concern of global warming.”
He further added, “WSDS offers the vital forum for deliberating on issues, solutions and initiatives for conserving our environment. The theme ‘Leadership for Sustainable Development and Climate Justice’ is specially needed to address climate crisis.”
The Hon’ble Minister, noted, “India is one of the nations that has revised its NDCs upward indicating deep commitment to enhanced climate action and further submitted our long-term law emission development strategy at COP27 in Egypt.” He concluded on the thought, “we believe in fighting climate change and ensuring climate justice.”
He further stated that India has consistently demonstrated a commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship, and that the country’s history of sustainable practices can serve as a model for the rest of the world in adopting eco-friendly and inclusive development approaches.
With its ambitious renewable energy goals and initiatives that balance economic growth and environmental preservation, India serves as a “beacon of inspiration” for countries around the world, according to the vice president.
Speaking about India and Guyana partnership, Brigadier (Retd) Mark Phillips, Prime Minister of Guyana, said, “I take this opportunity to congratulate you on completing 50 years. We look forward to supporting you for years to come.” He further added, “In the spirit of fostering the climate actions the Government of India and Guyana have been focusing on building the resilient and sustainable future.”
"Developed nations should provide financial assistance to the developing countries to tackle #climatechange. The global fight against climate change is at a critical juncture. In countries of the Global South, #ClimateAction continues to suffer from lack of financial flows to… pic.twitter.com/d3RPNLGiRI
— Dr. Shahid Siddiqui (@shahidsiddiqui) February 7, 2024
Prioritizing the well-being of youngest citizens, the Prime Minister of Guyana, remarked, “Guyana stands committed to addressing the impact on children’s health, ensuring access to safe water, nutrition, and robust infrastructure. Our pledge is fortified by signing the UNICEF Declaration of Children, Youth, and Climate Action, shaping a future where every child thrives.”
The occasion was presided by ministers, namely Ms Teresa Ribera Rodríguez Minister of the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, Spain, Mr Vatimi Rayalu Minister of Agriculture and Waterways, Fiji, and Mr Willie Tokataake (Minister, Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy, Kiribati. They stressed on the importance of innovative approaches to ensure resilience and sustainability in other Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
“After years of failing to meet #development and #climate finance commitments, the new Development and #climatefinance goal under discussion is critical, but without supporting reforms of the global financial architecture we risk repeating past mistakes. Hence, there is an urgent… pic.twitter.com/7z2J6OOctW
— Dr. Shahid Siddiqui (@shahidsiddiqui) February 7, 2024
Speaking at an earlier session on finance, Ms Teresa Ribera Rodríguez, Minister, Ministry for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, Spain, underscored, “The challenge in mobilizing climate finance is about finding the right instruments to do so, the right incentives, the right signals, to ensure that we dedicate our efforts where they are needed. For instance, we cannot expect climate vulnerable, fiscally constrained developing countries to have recourse to credit instruments that can accelerate mitigation and adaptation actions.” Counting on TERI’s Act4Earth initiative, she emphasized, “Development strategy and climate policy cannot operate in silos. They need to draw linkages and tap on synergies for global prosperity.”
Mr Willie Tokataake, Minister, Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy, Kiribati, shared the unique challenges faced by the small island developing states. He highlighted, “for any holistic discussion on the looming climate crisis, it is pertinent to hear the voices of the most vulnerable countries. The efforts by small island nations to mitigate the climate change impacts are very minimal given our insignificant emissions compared to the developed countries’ emissions, yet we are the most impacted nations from climate change impacts. I am glad to be here today to represent the concerns my country faces and deliberate on effective global solutions.”
In the context of multiple crises faced by vulnerable island nations, Mr Vatimi Rayalu, Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, Fiji emphasized, “Creating an enabling environment that fosters economic opportunities, climate resilience, food and nutrition security and sustainable development through better collaboration and coordination in the region and world stage.”
The launch of ‘TERI’s solutions for sustainable development’ marked the occasion of TERI celebrating its 50 years.
Following the inaugural ceremony was the fireside chat on ‘High-level opening session on Leadership in the time of polycrisis’.
The three-day Summit will see ministers, leaders and subject experts from across the globe deliberate on addressing the escalating climate crises and sliding back of SDGs. As geopolitical realities take precedence, leadership at all levels become instrumental in ensuring that the world remains on track to achieve the climate targets would be the core of the discussions.
–Dr. M Shahid Siddiqui (PhD), Follow via X (Twitter) @shahidsiddiqui
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