India showcases vision for sustainable growth at IUCN

Abu Dhabi: Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh outlined India’s vision for sustainable and nature-positive urban development during a Ministerial Panel at the High-Level Dialogue on “Transforming our Urban Environment: Pathways to Sustainability”, held on the sidelines of the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi.

Speaking at the session, Mr Singh emphasized that India’s development strategy places people and the planet at the center, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s global call for Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) a initiative promoting sustainable lifestyles and climate-conscious behavior.

He highlighted India’s efforts to foster carbon markets, promote renewable energy generation, and advance climate-resilient infrastructure as part of the country’s broader sustainability agenda.

The government’s approach, he said, focuses on integrated planning, scalable missions, and citizen-centric behavioral change.

The Minister cited flagship initiatives such as the Smart Cities Mission, which integrates energy efficiency, renewable energy use, sustainable mobility, and urban resilience.

He also detailed the three key pillars supporting India’s urban sustainability transition: Energy Conservation Act (Amended 2022): Strengthens efficiency standards across buildings, appliances, and industries, while enabling a domestic carbon-credit market that rewards cities and businesses for reducing emissions.

AMRUT Programme: Helps municipalities adopt energy efficient water supply and pumping systems, cutting both operational costs and energy use.

Stable Policy Frameworks: National governments, he noted, must support cities through updated bylaws, access to innovative financing, and stronger technology partnerships.

“By fostering compact, transit-oriented, and energy-efficient urban growth, we can help cities advance more rapidly toward low-emission and climate-resilient futures,” he said.

As the countries of the Global South, including India, continue to urbanize at a rapid pace, the Minister stressed the importance of creating livable, green, and inclusive cities that nurture aspirations without losing their human touch.

“Our goal must be to build cities where development and sustainability go hand in hand, places where people and nature thrive together,” the Minister further added.