India's Statement – 172nd CPR Meeting
24 November 2025
Mr. Chair,
Madame Executive Director,
Distinguished Delegates,
India aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Distinguished Representative of Kenya on behalf of the G-77 and China; and Distinguished Representative of Japan on behalf of APG.
My delegation would like to appreciate Madam Executive Director and her team for their diligent preparation of the working documents for this meeting. India also extends appreciation to the Chair, H.E. Mr. Sultan Hajiyev, and commend the UNEP Secretariat for elaborate planning for the UNEA-7.
India reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the principles of multilateralism and to strengthening the crucial role of the UNEP as the leading global environmental institution.
India welcomes the evaluation of UNEP’s climate action projects, particularly the focus on adaptation and resilience in developing countries. We urge UNEP to continue promoting international cooperation in knowledge sharing and the transfer of climate technology to empower developing nations in their climate efforts.
India welcomes the progress made in implementing the Programme of Work and Budget, particularly in areas of climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and pollution reduction. These priorities resonate deeply with India’s national commitments, including our Mission LiFE initiative, the Green Credit Programme, and our ambitious renewable energy targets.
India supports efforts to strengthen UNEP’s accountability, transparency, and operational efficiency. We encourage UNEP to continue enhancing its internal governance and to ensure that resources are deployed effectively to support member states.
India has consistently demonstrated leadership in pursuing sustainable pathways, including the UNEA-6 Resolution on Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles, the Ramsar CoP15, Resolution on Sustainable Lifestyles for the Wise Use of Wetlands, as well as national initiatives in promoting sustainable lifestyles such as India’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). Our Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) is creating a global movement for sustainable lifestyles, empowering citizens to become Pro-Planet People.
Recognizing the growing threat posed by forest and wildland fires, India has proposed a draft resolution on ‘Strengthening Global response on Management of fires’ for UNEA 7. These destructive wildfire trends undermine progress towards global environmental goals compromising biodiversity, ecosystem services, carbon sinks, and human well-being. While aligning with the overarching theme of the UNEA 7 i.e. “Effective, inclusive and sustainable multilateral actions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution”, the resolution positions fire management as a critical climate and biodiversity issue.
The resolution calls for collective action, sharing of information to improve understanding of wildfire patterns; and guiding Member States towards implementing cost-effective, inclusive, science-based measures by leveraging early warning systems, to mitigate the increasing threat of forest and wildland fires. The resolution also aims to encourage collaboration among Member States for joint training and capacity building, as well as the development of harmonized operational protocols for the effective prevention, preparedness, and management of transboundary forest and wildfires.
The Resolution calls for support to Member States to explore innovative financing mechanisms, including payments for ecosystem services, to support integrated wildfire management and restoration.
India invites all Member States to support this proposed Resolution, and we stand ready to contribute to the development of a resilient planet through cooperative, equitable, and forward-looking environmental governance.
I thank you.
