Bottom-up approach and industry leadership cited as key drivers
India’s efforts to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are “better than the global average,” declared Minister Hardeep Singh Puri at the 18th National Convention of the United Nations Global Compact Network India (UN GCNI) held today.
“The India story in advancing UN Sustainability Development Goals is better than the global average,” Puri said in his inaugural address. “This is because efforts in India are bottom-up, they are driven by people who need the social changes.”
The convention, themed “Advancing Sustainable India: Driving Change with Forward Faster 2030,” brought together leaders from government, business, and civil society to discuss strategies for accelerating progress towards the SDGs.
Puri, who serves as Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Housing and Urban Affairs, highlighted the role of industry in driving sustainable development. He praised ONGC, India’s largest oil and gas company and a key founding member of UN GCNI, for its “comprehensive operational reform” leading to a 17% reduction in emissions over the past five years.
“Industry leaders are driving the 2030 SGD agenda through impactful CSR initiatives,” Puri said. “Collaboration, cooperation, and collective action are paramount for success.”
Arun Kumar Singh, Chairman and CEO of ONGC and President of UN GCNI, echoed Puri’s call for collaboration. “We are delighted to see the tremendous enthusiasm and engagement at this year’s convention,” Singh said. “Let us heed the call for collaborative action, championed by the late Mr. Subir Raha’s enduring legacy.”
The convention featured panel discussions on key sustainability challenges, including climate action, water resilience, sustainable finance, and economic empowerment. Participants shared best practices and explored innovative solutions to accelerate progress towards the SDGs in India.
The event also saw the launch of “FasterForward 2030,” a UNDP initiative aimed at accelerating progress towards the SDGs in India.
“The India story in advancing the SDGs is unique and inspiring,” said Isabelle Tschan, Resident Representative a.i. of UNDP India. “With collective action and leadership, India can achieve a truly sustainable and prosperous future.”
The 18th National Convention of UN GCNI marks a significant step forward for India’s commitment to achieving the SDGs. By bringing together stakeholders from various sectors, the convention has fostered collaboration and created a platform for accelerating progress towards a more sustainable future for India and the world.