Union Minister Hardeep Puri Highlights India Progress in UN SDGs

The India story in advancing UN Sustainability Development Goals is better than global average. This is because efforts in India are bottom-up, they are driven by people who need the social changes”, said Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, while delivering his inaugural address at the 18th National Convention of United Nations Global Compact Network India (UN GCNI) held today in New Delhi. With the theme ‘Advancing Sustainable India: Driving Change with Forward Faster 2030’, the convention by the Indian local network of the Global Compact, New York is aimed to catalyze positive transformations towards sustainability.

The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Hon'ble Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, as the Chief Guest for the convention alongside Arun Kumar Singh, Chairman & CEO, ONGC and President, UN GCNI, and other senior dignitaries.

Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, delivered the inaugural address during the session. Arun Kumar Singh, emphasized collaborative efforts in his welcome address. Ms. Isabelle Tschan, Resident Representative a.i. of UNDP India, highlighted the role of partnerships in sustainable development in her special address.

ONGC, UN GCNI’s key founding member and India’s largest oil & gas PSU, demonstrated its continuous commitment by actively participating in and supporting the convention.

Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Hon'ble Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, as the Chief Guest for the convention alongside Arun Kumar Singh, Chairman & CEO, ONGC and President, UN GCNI

In his inaugural address, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, stated, "The industry leaders are driving the 2030 SGD agenda through impactful CSR initiatives. ONGC's efforts are appreciated in this direction. ONGC is exemplifying comprehensive operational reform, achieving a remarkable 17% reduction in SCOPE-1 and SCOPE-2 emissions over the last 5 years. This, coupled with 82% of C-SUITE expressing intent to hire green skills, signifies a positive shift. The move towards a Viksit Bharat is committed to global agreements like the Lima Climate Change Conference 2050, the Paris Agreement, and the Pancharmit Scheme, which will guide the journey aligned towards UN SGD Goals. Collaboration, Cooperation, and Collective action are paramount for success. With initiatives like FasterForward 2030, the UNDP serves as a valuable ally. Let's harness innovation, collaboration, and leadership to create a better world for ourselves and future generations.”

"We are delighted to see the tremendous enthusiasm and engagement at this year's 18th National Convention, which underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing sustainability in India. In pursuit of a sustainable and prosperous India, let us heed the call for collaborative action, championed by the late Mr. Subir Raha's enduring legacy. As we gather under the visionary leadership of Shri Hardeep Singh Puri and the guidance of UN GCNI, let our commitment to sustainability be a beacon for impactful change. Through dialogue, dedication, and tangible actions, we embark on a journey towards a responsible and inclusive corporate landscape, shaping a future that aligns with global goals and our collective vision for a sustainable tomorrow," said Arun Kumar Singh, Chairman & CEO, ONGC and President, UN GCNI.

The convention provided a platform for meaningful discussions, knowledge-sharing, and networking opportunities, fostering partnerships and collaborations essential for driving sustainable change in India. Key topics addressed included climate action, responsible water resilience, sustainable finance and investment, economic empowerment and innovation for sustainable development.