Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for investing in youth to achieve sustainable development adding that the road to fighting climate change is through climate justice. Speaking at the World Sustainable Development Summit 2021, Prime Minister Modi said that Climate justice is also about thinking of the bigger and long-term picture.

“Two things will define how the journey of humanity will unfold in the times to come. First is the health of our people. Second is the health of our planet. Both are interlinked. There are already many ongoing discussions on improving people’s health. We have gathered here to talk about the health of the planet. The scale of the challenge we face is widely known. But, conventional approaches cannot solve the problems we face. The need of the hour is to think out of the box, invest in our youngsters and work towards sustainable development,’’ the Prime Minister said. “The road to fighting climate change is through climate justice.”

While pointing out the “sad reality” on the poor due to changes in the environment and natural disasters, PM Modi said that climate justice also means giving developing countries enough space to grow. “The sad reality is, changes in the environment and natural disasters impact the poor the most. Climate justice is inspired by a vision of trusteeship where growth comes with greater compassion to the poorest,” the Prime Minister said. He added, “Climate justice also means giving developing countries enough space to grow. When each and every one of us understand our individual and collective duties, climate justice will be achieved.”

The 20th edition of The Energy and Resources Institutes (TERI) flagship event, the World Sustainable Development Summit, will be held online from February 10 to February 12 and will bring together a wide number of governments, business leaders, academicians, climate scientists, youth, and the civil society in the fight against climate change.

“Marking 20 years in its journey of making sustainable development a globally shared goal, the Summit series brings together governments, business leaders, academicians, climate scientists, youth, and the civil society in the fight against climate change. With its focus on bringing the voices of youth and women to the forefront, the Summit intends to carry forward these vital discussions from the Global South to the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Glasgow,” said the official website of the World Sustainable Development Summit.