World Sustainable Development Summit 2024: Climate justice should be North Star in fight against climate change, says VP Jagdeep Dhankhar

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.

Dhankhar spoke at the World Sustainable Development Summit organised by the independent think tank TERI, emphasising India's leadership role in global environmental protection and climate justice initiatives.

Vice President said, "Global leadership must drive the mainstreaming of environmental protection and climate justice at all levels, embedding these principles in the very fabric of our societies." 

He added that climate change disproportionately affects the most vulnerable and "hence, climate justice needs to be the North Star".

He 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.

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

PM Modi commends TERI's 50-year legacy and calls for collective global action on climate change

Emphasizing the need for unified, concerted efforts to address climate change, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his message for the inaugural session of the 23rd edition of the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS), underscored, “the WSDS has catalysed partnerships and collective action to address one of the most urgent challenges of our times.”

Congratulating The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) on completion of 50 years, PM acknowledged TERI’s endeavours towards fostering sustainable practices and said, “This Summit organized by TERI has been pivotal in uniting stakeholders from all corners of the world in pursuit of a common goal – sustainable development for the betterment of humanity.”
 
He endorsed this year’s theme, “Leadership for Sustainable Development and Climate Justice,” as a clarion call for bold steps, decisive action and a clear direction towards a more sustainable and equitable future.