Terming the Delhi High Level Conference on Climate Change scheduled for next week a step forward in the process of the international policy dialogue on technologies needed to address climate change, the government on Thursday approved the proposal to exchange letters of agreement with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) for providing necessary privileges and immunities to the UN-invited participants.
This is in accordance with the Charter of the UN and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the UN.
The conference on ‘Climate Change: Technology Development and Transfer’ to be held on October 22 and 23 here, is expected to advance the discussions on technology development and technology transfer initiated at the Beijing High Level Conference in November 2008. The emphasis will be on defining a road map for technology development and transfer by bringing together the key players in the international climate change community.
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Technology has a central and fundamental role in addressing climate change concerns with due regard to the imperatives of national economic growth, and sustainable development, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni told reporters after the Cabinet meeting. The outcome of the conference will support the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process and also help pave the way for a successful outcome at COP-15 to be held at Copenhagen in December.
The conference, being hosted by the Ministry of Environment and Forests in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed will be the guest of honour. This will be followed by a high level and ministerial session and panel discussions in thematic sessions designed to address relevant options and proposals.