Harvard, MoEFCC Host ‘India 2047’ Symposium to Shape Climate-Resilient Future

New Delhi: A four-day symposium titled ‘India 2047: Building a Climate-Resilient Future’ commenced at Bharat Mandapam, bringing together policymakers, scientists, industry leaders, and civil society representatives to discuss India’s climate adaptation priorities. Organized by The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute and The Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability at Harvard University in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the event marks a crucial step toward India’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The inaugural session was presided over by NITI Aayog Vice Chairperson Suman Bery and Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh. Also present were Tarun Kapoor, Adviser to the Prime Minister of India, Harvard University Vice Provost James H. Stock, and Director of The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute Tarun Khanna.

Speaking at the event, Suman Bery emphasized the need for India-centric climate adaptation strategies that balance economic growth and social welfare. He highlighted the importance of community empowerment, flexible governance models, and knowledge-sharing across South Asia to effectively tackle climate challenges.

Kirti Vardhan Singh underscored India’s leadership in advocating climate action for the Global South, stressing the urgency of scaling up adaptation measures to protect vulnerable communities. While India has made significant progress in renewable energy and emission reduction, he noted that adaptation efforts remain critical in safeguarding livelihoods, ecosystems, and infrastructure from climate-related risks. He also called for innovative financing mechanisms such as green bonds, climate-resilient infrastructure funds, and concessional financing to support climate adaptation initiatives.

Tarun Kapoor focused on the need for practical climate solutions that ensure resource accessibility and food security. Secretary (MoEFCC) Tanmay Kumar, in his welcome address, stated that the symposium aims to develop adaptation strategies that are research-driven, cost-effective, and scalable.

In a video address, Harvard University President Alan M. Garber highlighted the role of The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute in fostering collaboration between Harvard and India. Vice Provost James H. Stock emphasized Harvard’s commitment to interdisciplinary research on climate solutions, while Tarun Khanna stressed the importance of integrating traditional and modern knowledge systems.

The symposium will cover four key themes: climate science and its implications for agriculture and water security, health risks associated with climate change, workforce adaptation, and resilience in urban infrastructure. The discussions will help shape India’s first National Adaptation Plan (NAP), currently under development, by providing evidence-based policy recommendations to mainstream climate adaptation into national development planning.