UN Environment Assembly Adopts India's Resolution on Sustainable Lifestyles

This resolution aligns with Modi's vision, initially introduced at the UN climate conference in Glasgow and launched as Mission LiFE on October 20, 2022.

Digital Desk: The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) on Friday adopted India's resolution on sustainable lifestyles at its sixth session held in Nairobi, Kenya. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change said all the participating member states adopted the resolution co-sponsored by Sri Lanka and Bolivia. According to reports, the resolution received unanimous support from all participating members, marking a vital step towards fostering environmentally friendly living practices globally.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a vocal advocate of the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) movement, urging countries to adopt planet-friendly living practices and move away from consumerist behaviours. This resolution aligns with Modi's vision, initially introduced at the UN climate conference in Glasgow and launched as Mission LiFE on October 20, 2022.

The UNEA reaffirmed its commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, stressing integrated, indivisible, interdependent, and mutually reinforcing dimensions of sustainable development. The resolution recognizes the potential of behavioural changes toward sustainable lifestyles and highlights the role of various stakeholders, including the private sector, industry, local authorities, communities, and Indigenous people.

Key points from the resolution include:

Acknowledging the role of individual education and skills in accelerating collective efforts for sustainable consumption and production.

Stressing that each country is best positioned to understand its national circumstances and priorities in promoting sustainable lifestyles.

Encouraging public and private collaboration, education at all levels, and awareness-raising initiatives to empower citizens to make informed choices.

Inviting member states and stakeholders to share information, best practices, research, and literature to promote sustainable lifestyles.

Calling for support in developing and implementing national or regional action plans for promoting sustainable lifestyles.

The resolution also requests that the UNEP Executive Director, in partnership with UN Regional Commissions, undertake regional dialogues on sustainable lifestyle practices. The aim is to live in harmony with nature. A report on these dialogues' progress will be submitted to the seventh United Nations Environment Assembly.

This resolution represents a significant step towards promoting global cooperation and collective action to foster sustainable living practices.