Statement by India at the 28th Session of the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee under Item 2 (d) on ‘Impact of New Technologies for Climate Protection on the Enjoyment of Human Rights’ delivered by Mr. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India

  [Geneva, 09 August, 2022]

Thank you Chair,

At the outset, my delegation congratulates you on your election as the Chairperson, as well as 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 and looks forward to the Advisory Committee’s report.

2. We recognize that 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. Solar energy has, in particular, immense 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 our Government’s policies and programmes, including the National Action Plan on Climate Change. Our Prime Minister had outlined at the 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 Indian government has approved its updated Nationally Determined Contribution, which has been prepared after carefully considering our national circumstances and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC). India’s updated NDC also reaffirms our commitment to work towards a low carbon emission pathway, while simultaneously endeavoring to achieve sustainable development goals. We will soon be sharing the same with the UNFCCC .

5. The International Solar Alliance (ISA) initiated by India at the Paris Summit in 2015, which recognizes the value of national innovations, technologies and their potential to support solar energy solutions for climate protection, has now 103 countries who have signed the ISA framework agreement. With the idea of global support for climate adaptation, we have also taken the initiative of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

6. In line with the spirit of Paris commitments, developing countries should be provided with the necessary financial, technology transfer and capacity building support for enabling them to contribute to global climate action.

7. 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.

8. In conclusion, it is our hope that the Committee’s report would focus on how best the Member States can generate the socio-economic benefit for their people through new technologies for climate protection, to ensure full enjoyment of human rights.

          I thank you Chair.