Raising concerns over the impact of climate change, world leaders laid thrust on renewable energy and sustainable development at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit here on Sunday.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged investors to “shape and agree on the post-2015 development agenda with a set of sustainable development goals.”
He set 2030 as the target to provide universal access to energy to all seven billion people in the world, double energy efficiency and double the use of renewable energy. Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s smart city initiative for encouraging the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency, Mr. Ban urged the Indian business community “to lead the transformation we need to achieve sustainable development and inclusive growth.”
“India is in a unique position to lead the move towards sustainability ,” the U.N. Secretary-General said.
The Summit saw participation by 8,500 delegates, including 2500 foreign delegates from around 120 countries and about 30 world leaders from the field of politics and business. Large conglomerates from India and abroad announced huge investment and job creation plans. While Reliance Industries chief Mukesh Ambani said his group would invest Rs. 1 lakh crore in 12-18 months across businesses, Kumar Mangalam Birla of Aditya Birla Group announced investment plans for Rs. 20,000 crore in the State.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi cited the Centre’s recent decisions to invite foreign investment in Railways, Defence and Insurance. Projecting India as a 3D investment destination, Mr. Modi said the country had “democracy, demography and demand.”
World Bank president Jim Yong Kim projected the Indian economy to grow 6.4 per cent this year.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry sought India’s cooperation in ensuring sustainable development.
