Gurugram: A delegation from Haryana, headed by Environment, Forest, and Wildlife Minister Rao Narbir Singh, has left for the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP-16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which runs from December 2 to 13.
The delegation also includes Anand Mohan Sharan, Additional Chief Secretary of the Environment, Forest, and Wildlife Department; Randeep Singh Jauhar, Chairman of the Haryana State Biodiversity Board; Vivek Saxena, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Secretary of the Haryana State Biodiversity Board; and Dr. T.P. Singh, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
This event aims to provide a collaborative platform for Green Zone businesses, scientists, financial institutions, NGOs, and communities affected by desertification to explore sustainable solutions for land restoration and drought management.
Minister Rao Narbir Singh highlighted the participation of various countries and the importance of the conference, stating that it presents a unique opportunity for global cooperation and knowledge sharing in addressing climate change challenges. He emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s significant initiatives, such as the National Solar Mission and the Jal Jeevan Mission, aimed at progressing towards a developed India by 2047. He also called for technical and financial support for developing nations from developed countries to enhance the fight against climate change and reaffirmed India’s commitment to the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement.