Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, led India’s intervention at a high-level roundtable during the IUCN World Conservation Congress, held in Abu Dhabi. The roundtable, chaired by IUCN President Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, focused on nature-based solutions for climate action and strategic pathways to the upcoming COP30 in Belém.
Speaking at the session, Minister Singh emphasized the need for a balanced approach to climate policy that integrates modern science with traditional knowledge systems. He called for the development of an evidence-based and culturally rooted framework for tackling the climate crisis — one that acknowledges the value of both technological innovation and age-old wisdom.
“India’s respect for nature is not a recent development; it is a way of life that has been passed down through generations,” Singh said. “Our traditions promote harmony with the environment and adaptability to local ecosystems. While science gives us the tools to define sustainability and address climate change, the core principles have always been embedded in our cultural practices.”
He also highlighted India’s ongoing commitment to climate resilience and ecological conservation, reaffirming the country’s support for collaborative global action through nature-based solutions.
As the world looks ahead to COP30, the roundtable served as a critical platform for aligning national strategies with global climate goals. Singh’s remarks reinforced India’s role as a vocal advocate for inclusive, culturally sensitive, and scientifically grounded climate action on the international stage.
