NEW DELHI: In a significant move at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, UAE, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed India as the host for COP33 in 2028 during his special address on Friday. The 33rd Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) could potentially take place in India as per the Prime Minister’s proposition.
PM Modi arrived in Dubai on Thursday and has been actively participating in the summit, engaging in four speeches, two special initiatives on climate events, and seven bilateral meetings within a span of 21 hours. This marks his third appearance at the World Climate Action Summit, following his attendance in Paris in 2015 and Glasgow in 2021.
During the ceremonial opening of COP28, Modi emphasised the need for collective efforts to rectify mistakes of the past century, urging unity to address the adverse impact of reckless use of nature and natural resources. “We have to work in unity and take this promise and commitment. We do not have much time to correct the mistakes of the last century.
“I urge for collective participation to rectify the errors of the past century, where reckless use of nature and natural resources has adversely affected the entire world and humanity and has disproportionately affected the Global South… We have to be more balanced … For the global good, it is important that the rights of everyone are protected, and everyone has equal participation,” he said.
Highlighting India’s commitment to climate action, PM Modi showcased the country’s exemplary balance between ecology and economy. Despite being home to 17 per cent of the world’s population, India contributes less than 4 per cent to global carbon emissions. He pointed out that India achieved its emission intensity-related target 11 years ago and is on track to meet Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) targets.
Modi introduced the Green Credit Initiative, a pro-planet and pro-active approach focusing on creating carbon sinks through people’s participation. He outlined India’s ambitious targets, aiming to reduce emission intensity by 45 per cent by 2030 and increase the share of non-fossil fuels to 50 per cent, with a goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
Discussing India’s initiatives under the G20 presidency, the Prime Minister highlighted efforts to address climate issues and the decision to increase climate finance commitments from billions to trillions. He also referenced India’s successful pitch for dealing with critical environmental issues through Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) during the G20 leaders’ summit in September.
The COP28, which commenced on Thursday, is scheduled to run until December 12. Apart from Modi, notable attendees at the summit include President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Netherlands PM Mark Rutte, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and European Union President Ursula von der Leyen. PM Modi is set to engage in bilateral meetings with leaders such as Israeli President Isaac Herzog, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and the newly-elected Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu.