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U.N. Chief Hails India for Solar & Wind Power Initiative

Ban Ki-moon (left) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 7th Vibrant Gujarat Summit, India January 2015. UNIC Delhi

NEW DELHI, Jan 13 2015 (IPS) - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon commended Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative to increase the share of solar and wind power in India’s energy mix, and for his vision in accelerating the development of solar energy when he was chief minister of Gujarat.

“I also commend the prime minister’s ambitious ‘100 Smart Cities’ initiative and encourage the use of renewables and energy efficiency,” he said, speaking at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit in Gandhinagar, India.

Ban also urged India to take the lead in Paris where a universal climate change agreement is expected to be adopted in December this year.

“I count on India’s forward-looking leadership as governments around the world seek to adopt a meaningful, equitable and universal climate change agreement.

Ahead of the Summit, Ban visited an Ashram founded by Gandhi and named after the Sabarmati River, one of the biggest in the State. He also visited a solar power plant built on the Narmada rival canal in the town of Vadodara before heading to New Delhi.

Addressing the summit, the secretary-general said: “First, I call on India’s business community to lead the transformation we need to achieve sustainable development and inclusive growth. I ask you to channel your efforts into decisions that will benefit your companies, your country and your children’s future.”

“Second, I call for India’s continued strong leadership in the three negotiating processes which I have mentioned this year for new agreements on sustainable development, climate action and financing.”

“Third, I call on India to come forward with an ambitious national contribution on climate change as soon as possible, one that is consistent with your particular national circumstances.”

He said India is in a unique position to lead the move towards sustainability in the wider world. This year will provide a formidable opportunity for emerging Powers to position themselves in a changing global landscape.

“In your youthful country, nearly half the population of India is under 25 years old. What great potential you have and what great responsibility.”

“After all, half of the global population is under the age of 30. So, we are living in a very young world. So, we have to do much more for our young people,” he declared .

 
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