SEP 02: Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, addressed the 20th Global Sustainability Summit in New Delhi, organized by the CII-ITC Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development. The summit brought together representatives from over ten countries, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss strategies for sustainable and inclusive growth.
Shri Yadav highlighted India’s approach to development, emphasizing the balance between economic progress and ecological stewardship. “Sustainability is not merely a goal, but a lifestyle choice—resilient, regenerative, and responsible,” he said. He urged nations to adopt economy-wide solutions, including circular economy models, green manufacturing, and responsible practices, to combat global challenges such as trade tensions, policy uncertainties, and geopolitical conflicts.
The Minister outlined key recent policy initiatives: the Environment Audit Rules, 2025, establishing a robust framework for environmental accountability; a revised Green Credit Programme methodology, encouraging private sector participation and eco-restoration efforts; and amendments to the Forest (Conservation and Augmentation) Rules, 2023, streamlining approvals for critical mineral mining to support the National Critical Mineral Mission, 2025.
Reflecting on India’s broader sustainability achievements, Shri Yadav noted the country’s rapid economic growth alongside global climate action leadership. He cited accelerated renewable energy deployment, enhanced corporate accountability through ESG practices, circular economy initiatives, expanded forest cover, and campaigns like Mission LiFE and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam as key examples. He also emphasized the upcoming National Adaptation Plan (NAP) as a science-driven framework to embed climate adaptation across national policies.
Concluding his address, Shri Yadav called on industry and global stakeholders to integrate sustainability into corporate and policy strategies. “By embracing resilience, regeneration, and responsibility, let us chart a course towards a more sustainable world,” he said, expressing confidence that the summit would pave the way for transformative and inclusive growth.
