Statement by India at the 27th Session of the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee (21 to 25 February 2022) under Item 3 (d) on ‘Impact of New Technologies for Climate Protection on the Enjoyment of Human Rights’ delivered by Mr. S. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India [Geneva, 21 February 2022]

Thank you Chair,

At the outset, my delegation congratulates you on your election as the Chairperson and other members of the Bureau. India thanks the Advisory committee for its study on this theme, as mandated by the HRC vide its resolution 48/14.

2. We recognize that the new technologies play a crucial role in the development of affordable, accessible and adaptable solutions in areas of low carbon development, renewable energy generation and climate protection. The solar energy has, in particular, great potential to increase energy access, foster economic development and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Preservation of the environment has always been a central pillar of India’s civilisation and culture. This has found reflection in the Government’s policies and programmes, including the National Action Plan on Climate Change. Our Prime Minister had outlined at COP26 Summit in Glasgow, India’s commitment for scaling up climate action embodied in ‘Panchamrit’ or a 5-point action plan which includes achieving 500 GW of installed power generation capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
4. The International Solar Alliance (ISA) initiated by India at Paris Summit in 2015, which recognizes the value of national innovations, technology and their potential to support the solar energy solutions for climate protection, has now 103 countries signed the framework agreement. With the idea of global support for climate adaptation, we have also taken the initiative of Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
5. In line with the spirit of Paris commitments, the developing countries should be provided with the necessary financial, technology transfer and capacity building support for enabling them to contribute to global climate action.
6. We believe that the international community need to forge a comprehensive partnership to harness new technologies, policies, financing mechanisms and economic incentives to reduce emissions. We need to work together to develop and implement technological solutions that strengthen initiatives in energy transition in cities, climate friendly urban mobility, energy efficiency in the housing sector, energy efficiency in urban water supply as well as recycling and waste management.
7. In conclusion, we wish that the new Study of the Committee would focus on how best the Member States can generate the socio-economic benefit to their people through new technologies for climate protection for the full enjoyment of human rights.

          I thank you Chair.

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