The 4th Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) and Environment and Climate Ministers meeting will be held in Chennai from July 26-28, 2023. The three-day meeting will bring together around 300 delegates from G20 member countries, invitee countries, and several International Organisations, with a focus on finalising the Ministerial Outcome and the Presidency Documents.

The pre-event media briefing in Chennai, was addressed by Mr. Bivash Ranjan ADG MoEFCC, Mr. Naresh Pal Gangwar, AS, MoEF&CC, Ms. Richa Sharma, AS, MoEFCC, the Theme Chairs of Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) for land restoration, circular economy, and blue economy. They stated, “the deliberations of the 4th ECSWG and Environment and Climate Ministers meeting will end with the G20 Environment and Climate Ministers’ Meeting on Day 3, wherein the Outcome and the Presidency documents will be released.” Further, it was shared that the Ministerial Meeting will be presided over by the Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Shri Bhupinder Yadav along with close to 35 Ministers from different countries who will also be attending the meeting.

Over the last 3 ECSWG meetings as well as virtual sessions held during the months of May, June and July, collaborative and inclusive discussions have taken place on the 3 broad thematic areas identified by the India Presidency. The deliberations around the thematic priorities of arresting and degradation, enriching biodiversity and accelerating ecosystem restoration; promoting a sustainable and climate resilient blue economy; and resource efficiency and circular economy. These discussions centered on identifying the root cause, and global solutions that could help tackle the multidimensional challenge of climate and environment degradation. During the 4th ECSWG, further discussion on the outcome documents are scheduled to take place in parallel, under the two broad tracks of Environment and Climate. The discussions on the same will conclude in the Environment and Climate Ministers meeting to be held on 28 July.

The Ministerial meeting is slated to witness keynote addresses by the world’s stalwarts in the field of climate change, that will set a strong foundation for the rest of the day’s proceedings, that mainly are discussions among the environment and climate ministers of G20 nations, followed by adoption of the High-Level Principles document.

A highlight of the 4th ECSWG and Environment and Climate Ministers meeting will be the launch of the Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition on day 2 of the event. The coalition's objective is to unite nations, industries, and experts in their endeavour to propel the global circularity agenda forward. This initiative is poised to become a momentous achievement during the G20 India Presidency, representing a collective stride towards fostering on-the-ground efforts in resource efficiency and advancing the principles of circular economy.

Providing further insights into the meeting, it was shared that the Ministerial event, post the meeting would prominently feature the exquisite cultural and historical magnificence of Chennai and Tamil Nadu. At the culmination of the event, following the Ministerial meeting, the attending delegates will have the opportunity to visit the renowned town of Mahabalipuram. This place is celebrated for the UNESCO world heritage site of 7th and 8th-century monument. Subsequently, the delegates will be treated to an enchanting evening, known as 'Samvaad', which will take place over dinner. This cultural extravaganza aims to present the opulent heritage and traditions of the region through various performances and displays. Moreover, it promises to be a delightful experience as it will also feature a showcase of authentic regional cuisine, allowing participants to savour the diverse and delectable flavours that Tamil Nadu has to offer.

Under the G20 India Presidency, the Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group, ECSWG has demonstrated an unwavering commitment towards ensuring environmental sustainability, which resonates with the vision of the Indian government to tackle the interconnected issues of climate and environment in an ambitious and decisive manner. All eyes are on the final meeting of this working group as Excellencies and eminent dignitaries assemble to deliberate on critical environment and climate issues that pose significant threats to the future of upcoming generations. It is hoped that the India G 20 Presidency, and specially the ECSWG will shine a light on the problems as well as the solutions to the environment issues that affect us.

 

***

(Release ID: 1942570) Visitor Counter : 665