Addressing the urgent need for a sustainable global economy, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav unveiled a pivotal G20 report, ‘A Green and Sustainable Growth Agenda for the Global Economy’ in New Delhi. This launch marks a significant step in global efforts to address climate change and promote sustainable development, especially at a time when Brazil has assumed the G20 presidency from India.
The report, a product of a joint effort by NITI Aayog, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and the Global Development Network (GDN), draws from the insights of the G20 international conference held in July 2023. It includes contributions from 40 experts from 14 countries, signifying a unified approach to tackling environmental and economic challenges.
Yadav, in his address, emphasized the importance of collective action in climate change mitigation, highlighting India’s commitment to a collaborative process based on shared but differentiated responsibilities. “A swift, just and equitable transition to renewable energy sources must be underpinned by deep emission cuts and scaled-up finance,” the minister said, stressing the role of climate finance and technology in aiding the Global South’s sustainable growth.
Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa, commended NITI Aayog for its instrumental role in organizing the conference and the subsequent publication of the report. He pointed out the critical role of free trade in global growth, as underscored in the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration.
Suman Bery, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, commented on the report’s significance, particularly in aiding Brazil’s policy direction. “This report is being released to enable the transfer of knowledge…to Brazil so that they can benefit from the ideas in the volume,” Bery noted.
The event also featured an interactive panel discussion, moderated by Suman Bery, and focused on just transition in climate change mitigation, a key theme of the report. The discussion underscored the economic potential of such a transition for both developed and emerging economies.
