New Delhi: Hardeep Singh Puri, the Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing & Urban Affairs, emphasized India’s pivotal role in the success of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during his address at the 18th National Convention of the UN Global Compact Network India (UNGCNI). The convention, inaugurated by Minister Puri, aims to drive change and advance sustainable practices in India by 2030.
Minister Puri highlighted India’s significance as the world’s most populous nation, the fifth-largest and fastest-growing economy, and a preferred investment destination. He asserted that India’s outcomes would significantly influence global outcomes, making the nation’s success vital for the success of the SDGs worldwide.
Under the theme “Advancing Sustainable India: Driving Change with Forward Faster 2030,” the convention featured sessions on accelerating climate change action, advancing water resilience, sustainable finance and investment, and promoting living wages for economic empowerment.
Minister Puri praised India’s achievements in the last decade, lifting over 250 million people out of multidimensional poverty, showcasing the country’s commitment to inclusive growth. He acknowledged transformative missions like Swachh Bharat and AMRUT for revolutionizing water and sanitation, making India open defecation-free.
Despite global challenges, Minister Puri highlighted India’s sustainable development approach, particularly addressing water and sanitation issues. He commended India’s proactive efforts in mobilizing resources and implementing impactful initiatives, bridging the vast financing gap for sustainability goals.
Speaking on women empowerment, Minister Puri noted the shift from women-centered to women-led schemes. He highlighted the historic Women’s Reservation Bill introduced to ensure equitable participation of women in political processes.
Minister Puri discussed India’s progress on sustainability targets, citing the exceptional journey of ethanol blending. He set a positive tone, expressing confidence in achieving India’s net-zero target of 2070 before the deadline, with advancements in emerging technologies and innovative financing policies.
Recognizing the role of the private sector, Minister Puri emphasized combining purpose with profit for a unique competitive advantage. He noted that reputations of businesses are increasingly linked to their public commitment to the SDGs, influencing both investors and consumers.
While acknowledging impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Minister Puri stressed that CSR alone is not enough. He urged businesses to incorporate sustainability into their core operations for meaningful change. He cited ONGC as an example, having integrated sustainable practices, reducing emissions by 17% in the last five years.
In his concluding remarks, Minister Puri emphasized India’s commitment to global agreements and praised the UNGC as a valuable ally, providing guidance, expertise, and collaboration platforms for sustainable development.