Speaking at the Ministerial Panel, Mr. Singh said that India’s development model places both people and the planet at the centre of progress—reflecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s global call for Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), an initiative promoting climate-conscious and sustainable living.
He highlighted India’s comprehensive approach to sustainable growth through carbon market development, renewable energy expansion, and the creation of climate-resilient infrastructure. The Minister stressed that India’s strategy is rooted in integrated urban planning, scalable national missions, and citizen-driven behavioural change.
Showcasing key government programmes, he mentioned the Smart Cities Mission, which advances energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, sustainable mobility, and urban resilience. He also elaborated on the Energy Conservation Act (Amended 2022)—which enhances efficiency standards and enables a domestic carbon-credit market—and the AMRUT Programme, which helps municipalities reduce operational costs through energy-efficient water systems.
Mr. Singh underscored the need for stable policy frameworks, urging national governments to empower cities through updated regulations, innovative financing models, and stronger technology partnerships.
“By fostering compact, transit-oriented, and energy-efficient urban growth, we can help cities move faster toward low-emission and climate-resilient futures,” he said.
As rapid urbanization continues across the Global South, the Minister emphasized that the focus must remain on building livable, green, and inclusive cities that nurture aspirations while preserving environmental integrity. “Our goal must be to build cities where development and sustainability go hand in hand—places where people and nature thrive together,” he added.
