A side event, titled “Understanding the Concept of LiFE” was hosted at Indian Pavilion at COP 27, Sharm El-Sheikh

Ashraf AboArafe

 A side event titled, “Understanding the Concept of LiFE” was held at India’s Pavilion at COP 27, on 14 November 2022. Event was jointly hosted by India and United Nations (UN in India). Mr. Bhupender Yadav, Indian Union Minister for Environment Forest and Climate Change, Ms. Inger Andersen, Executive Secretary, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Mr. Ovais Sarmad, Deputy Executive Secretary, UNFCCC, Mr. Ajit Gupte, Ambassador of India to Egypt, Lord Nicholas Stern, IG Patel Chair of Economics and Government, London School of Economics and Ms. Usha Rao-Monari, Associate Administrator, UNDP and other dignitaries from across the world participated in the event. Mission LiFE, Lifestyle for Enviornment was launched by the Prime Minister Modi in the presence of UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, on 20th October 2022.

2. During the event, theMoEFCC – UNDP Compendium ‘Prayaas Se Prabhaav Tak – From Mindless Consumption to Mindful Utilization’ was also launched.Compendium proposes a LiFE framework to guide, governments, institutions, and societies to move towards mindful utilization of resources. The compendium highlights traditional best practices from India, that the embody the ethos of LiFE, on the following areas :

• Responsible Consumption by taking only as much as is needed, using products to the end of their lives, and re-purposing or recycling whatever is left over.

• Circular Economy to improve resource efficiency, minimize waste and emissions to reduce the carbon footprint and improve ecological handprint.

• Living in Harmony with Nature by practising the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam’ (the World in One Family) and living a life with compassion for all living beings.5.5.

• Sustainable Resource Management through mindful and deliberate utilisation of the available resources and to reduce overconsumption and promote equitable access to resources.

• Coexistence and Cooperation among countries and communities through the prom5.otion of science and innovation, knowledge exchange, dissemination of best practices, and conservation of traditional knowledge systems.

3. Speaking at the event, Mr. Bhupender Yadav said, “We are at a critical juncture in our common fight against climate change, a juncture which requires not just government effort but contribution from all stakeholders, each individual, towards ensuring a sustainable and equitable planet. The mantra of LiFE, Life style for environment given by Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi places individua5.l contribution at the centre stage to find solution to problems posed by climate change. Mr Yadav added that “both Egypt and India are examples of centuries old civilisations that have sustainable lifestyle practices embedded in their culture and traditions. India under the visionary leadership of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has demonstrated to the globe that protecting environment remains the cornerstone in the policy making process of India”. According to Mr. Yadav, “Mission LiFE makes t5.he fight against climate change democratic, in which everyone can contribute within their capacity”.He called call upon world leaders and global citizens to embrace the philosophy of LiFE and extend their support to be the change that they wish to see in the world. Minister Yadav concluded by saying, “Our planet is one, but our efforts have to be many – One Earth, many efforts. India stands ready to support any effort for a better environment and to further global wellness”.

5. More information on Mission LiFE can be accessed athttps://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2022-04/Brochure_LIFE_vf_with_Cropmarks_19042022.pdf