Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for supporting developing countries with adequate climate financing and technology transfer, enabling them to deal with climate change, as he arrived in Dubai to attend the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference, aka COP28.
Before leaving Delhi, Modi said that he was happy to see this significant event being held under the presidency of the United Arab Emirates, an important partner for India in the field of climate action.
“In keeping with our civilisational ethos, India has always laid emphasis on climate action even as we pursue social and economic development,” said Modi.
“During our G20 presidency, climate was high on our priority. The New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration includes numerous concrete steps on climate action and sustainable development. I look forward to the COP28 taking forward the consensus on these issues,” said the prime minister in his departure statement last night.
Modi is attending the World Climate Action Summit (another name for the UN Climate Change Conference) today. The acronym “COP” is taken from the UN Conference of the Parties, and the number “28” refers to the 28th edition of this conference, which first began in Berlin, Germany, in March 1995.
COP28 is taking place from November 30 to December 12 under the presidency of the UAE. Several world leaders are attending the climate action summit to discuss ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and effectively combat climate change.
The Indian prime minister is scheduled to participate in three other high-level side events as well, while in Dubai. He said in his pre-departure statement that COP28 would provide an opportunity to review the progress made under the Paris Agreement of 2015 and chart a path for future course on climate action.
“At the Voice of Global South Summit convened by India, the Global South spoke for the need for climate action based on the principles of equity, climate justice, and common but differentiated responsibilities, as well as a greater focus on adaptation,” Modi said.
“It is important that efforts of the developing world be supported with adequate climate financing and technology transfer. They must have access to equitable carbon and development space to achieve sustainable development,” he said.
The prime minister also noted that India had walked the talk when it came to climate action. “Our achievements in different sectors like renewable energy, energy efficiency, afforestation, energy conservation, Mission LiFE are testament to the commitment of our people towards Mother Earth,” he said.
Modi said that he was looking forward to joining special events, including on climate finance and green credit initiative. During his stay in Dubai, he is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with some of the leaders participating in the summit, including Israeli President Isaac Herzog, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the newly-elected Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu.
