Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, Government of India, delivered the opening remarks. Yadav stated in his speech that there is a need to develop policies that are inclusive and sustainable in order to reduce inequality and contribute to the empowerment and improvement of people's lives.
He emphasized India's role in assisting and raising the voice of the Global South in dealing with climate change and environmental issues at various international fora.
Yadav emphasized the developed world's role in providing financial and technological assistance to developing countries. The problems faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) countries as a result of climate change were also discussed, as were India's initiatives in this regard, such as the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS), International Solar Alliance (ISA), and others. India's experience in dealing with natural disasters through institutional mechanisms was also highlighted. The G20 presidency, as well as the topics of blue economy, circular economy, and land restoration, were mentioned to Global South ministers.
The Union Environment Minister emphasized that environmentally friendly actions (LiFE Actions) on a global scale can be a significant positive contributor to saving our common and only world. He emphasized the significance of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle For Environment) in addressing the global issue of climate change.
The Ministers from the Global South raised a number of issues concerning the Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Food security, sea level rise, coastal erosion, and an economic downturn caused by the COVID 19 pandemic were among the issues raised. Climate change has also been described as having catastrophic consequences in developing coastal countries.
Many developing countries emphasized the importance of the climate change adaptation policies they are developing. Some of the common efforts mentioned by the developing South were the use of green energy, renewable energy, circular economy, sustainable development, and biodiversity conservation. Many countries highlighted their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) targets and greenhouse gas reduction initiatives. All countries congratulated India on assuming the G20 presidency and expressed optimism about the topics of blue economy, circular economy, and land degradation.
The Ministers stated that the problem of climate change affects all countries, developed and developing, but that finding a solution is difficult for developing countries due to a lack of technological and financial resources. They emphasised the importance of South-South cooperation in addressing climate change challenges.
