Prime Minister Modi’s ‘DUBAI’ call for resolute climate action at COP28

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Dubai for the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), underlined the country’s demonstrated commitment and proactive action plan to achieve its Net Zero goals.

Marking another high point in India’s engagements with the world, Prime Minister Modi interacted with world leaders, addressed high-ranking guests, and met with community members during his whirlwind visit to the UAE.

During his interactions at COP28, the Prime Minister outlined the ‘DUBAI’ call to the world to take resolute action, which hinges on five pillars – Decisiveness, Unity, Balance, Ambitious and Innovative.

The Prime Minister urged all nations to fulfil their climate commitments by being decisive, and to work in unity with developing countries to be provided a just share in the Global Carbon Budget.

He also underlined the need to be more balanced in the world’s approach to adaptation, mitigation, climate balance, technology, and loss & damage, and to be more ambitious ensuring that energy transition is just, inclusive, and equitable. Finally, he called for more innovation, urging all nations to develop innovative technologies, and share them with other countries, in addition to strengthening the clean energy supply chain.

A warm welcome in Dubai

Prime Minister Modi was warmly welcomed by the UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and proceeded to engage with the Indian community in the city, where he was greeted with cultural performances.

He interacted with students, business leaders, and the community, at large.

‘India sets model in balancing ecology and economy’

A t COP28, the Prime Minister was welcomed by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President. “Today’s meeting during #COP28 has been very productive. Thanked him for the warm hospitality and discussed various issues aimed at deepening India-UAE friendship and making our planet more sustainable,” observed the Prime Minister about the meeting.

View more pictures of the Prime Minister arriving at COP28 here.

The Indian Prime Minister had the special honour of addressing the high-level World Climate Action Summit at COP28, where Prime Minister Modi made a compelling case for collective action.

Highlighting that India is among select global nations that stands in the pole position in achieving emission reduction targets.

Addressing world leaders, the Prime Minister said that India contributes less than four per cent to global carbon emissions, while being home to 17 per cent of the world population and is one of the few countries on track to achieve its NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution).

“We have presented a fine model of balancing ecology with economy,” stressed the Prime Minister, adding that India has achieved its emission reduction target 11 years ahead of schedule and non-fossil fuel target nine years earlier than targeted. “Our aim is to bring emission intensity by 45 per cent and increase the share of non-fossil fuel capacity to 50 pe cent – on track to achieving Net Zero by 2070.” He also proposed that India host COP33 in 2028.

Read more here.

High-level engagements with world leaders

In addition to the high-level engagements with UAE President His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister Modi met several world leaders and discussed efforts to strengthen climate action and to build stronger bilateral ties.

Among the various world leaders that the Prime Minister Modi met at COP28 include: King Charles III; UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres; His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan; President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev; President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon; Prime Minister of Netherlands Mark Rutte; His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain; President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe; Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed Ali; Prime Minister of UK Rishi Sunak; President of Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva; Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni; President of Guyana Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali; Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley; President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdo?an; President of Switzerland Alain Berset; President of Israel Isaac Herzog; Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson; President of France Emmanuel Macron; President of Maldives Mohamed Muizzu; and Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh; among others.

Fixing climate finance gap

Prime Minister Modi participated in the COP-28 Presidency’s Session on "Transforming Climate Finance”, which focused on making climate finance more available, accessible, and affordable to developing countries.

The Prime Minister voiced the concerns of the Global South and reiterated the urgency of making the means of implementation, particularly climate finance, available to the developing countries to achieve their climate ambitions and implement their NDCs. Prime Minister welcomed the operationalisation of Loss and Damage Fund and establishment of the UAE climate Investment Fund at COP-28.

He called for COP-28 to deliver on four aspects related to climate change - Progress in New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance; Replenishment of Green Climate Fund & Adaptation Fund; Affordable Finance to be made available by MDBs for Climate Action and the need for developed countries to eliminate their carbon footprint before 2050.

Read more here.

India leading industry transition with global partners

Prime Minister Modi also addressed the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT), launched by India and Sweden, which brings together countries, companies, and industry experts to achieve net zero emissions from heavy industries by 2050.LeadIT today has 18 countries and 20 companies as members. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said the initiative has three focal areas - first, inclusive and just industrial transition; two, co-development and transfer of low-carbon technology, and three, support for emerging technology. Read more here.

Launch of the landmark Green Credit initiative

The Prime Minister wrapped up his visit to COP28 on a high note with the launch of the Green Credit initiative, and its web portal, along with Sweden's PM Ulf Kristersson, President of Mozambique Filipe Jacinto Nyusi and European Council president Charles Michel,

"The manner in which we give importance to our Health Card in life, we have to similarly start thinking in the context of environment. We will have to see what is to be done to add positive points to Earth's Health Card. This is what Green Credit is,” said the Prime Minister.

Under the initiative, green credits “will be assigned to specific environmental activities, and will be treated as tradable commodities. These green credits will be able to be sold on domestic market platforms.” Read more here.