This happened during the virtual meeting of environment ministers as part of the Voice of the Global South Summit, a term that refers to developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
In his opening speech, the Indian Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, reiterated the need to develop inclusive and sustainable strategies to reduce inequality and contribute to empowerment and improving people’s quality of life.
He mentioned India’s role in supporting and strengthening the voice of the Global South to address the issue of climate change and the environment in various international fora.
Among other things, the problems of small island developing states due to climate change and related initiatives by India such as the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Infrastructure for Resilient Island States and the International Solar Alliance were discussed.
India’s Environment Minister stressed that large-scale green action globally can make a significant positive contribution to saving the world.
He highlighted the importance of New Delhi’s LiFE (Environmentally Friendly Lifestyle) mission to address the global issue of climate change.
Ministers from the Global South addressed various issues faced by small island developing States such as food security, sea level rise, coastal erosion, economic downturn due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In turn, developing coastal countries pointed to the catastrophic effects of climate change, and many highlighted the role of the adaptation policies they are developing to address climate change.
The use of green energy, renewable energy, the circular economy, sustainable development and the preservation of biodiversity were some of the common attempts cited by the countries of the South, who also highlighted their goals and initiatives to reduce greenhouse gases.
Pointing out that the problem of climate change is common to all countries, whether developed or developing, the solution is not easy for poor countries without technological and financial support, and praised the role of South-South cooperation in meeting the challenges of the climate change.
The “Voice of the Global South” summit will meet virtually for two days with representatives from 120 countries.
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