Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday received the United Nation’s highest environmental honour, the ‘Champions of the Earth Award’ from United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, at a ceremony in Delhi. He is among the six winners who got the award today.
“It is an honour for Indians. Indians are committed to saving the environment. Climate and calamity are directly related to culture; if climate is not the focus of culture, calamity cannot be prevented. When I say ‘Sabka Saath,’ I also include nature in it,” Modi said.
After conferring the award to PM Modi, Guterres in a tweet said: “The world needs bold leadership on climate action. I thank India for setting an example and was pleased to present Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Champions of the Earth Award.”
The world needs bold leadership on #climateaction. I thank India for setting an example and was pleased to present Prime Minister @narendramodi with the Champions of the Earth Award pic.twitter.com/QchKIOVdQP
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) October 3, 2018
Why PM Modi?
The United Nations has recognised PM Modi for his work in promoting and championing the cause of solar energy and for his vow to eliminate single-use plastic from India by 2022. “UN Environment is recognising Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his bold environmental leadership on the global stage. Under Modi’s leadership, India pledged to eliminate all single-use plastics in the country by 2022. Prime Minister Modi also supports and champions the International Solar Alliance, a global partnership to scale up solar energy,” UN’s citation for the award read.
At the First Assembly of the International Solar Alliance. Watch my speech. https://t.co/PJWLeRa0x9
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 2, 2018
The Cochin International Airport took home the ‘Entrepreneurial Vision’ Award for its leadership in the use of sustainable energy. “Cochin is showing the world that our ever-expanding network of global movement doesn’t have to harm the environment. As the pace of society continues to increase, the world’s first fully solar-powered airport is proof positive that green business is good business,” the UNEP statement said.
Global recognition of India's leadership in solar power & renewable energy@UN ‘s highest environmental honour Champions of the Earth Award was conferred on PM @narendramodi by UNSG @antonioguterres in policy leadership category for pioneering work in #InternationalSolarAlliance pic.twitter.com/NF9qOFQgKY
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) October 3, 2018
Addressing an event in Rajkot on Sunday, Modi had said cleanliness was an important aspect of Mahatma Gandhi’s life and the father of the nation was the most deserving candidate for the UN green award.
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