G Kishan Reddy, the Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, stated that India’s priorities for G20 align with the theme of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, which means ‘One Earth-One Family-One Future’. He shared these priorities during a meeting organized by the United National World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in New York. India’s priorities for G20 include accelerated inclusive and resilient growth, progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), technological transformation and digital public infrastructure, multilateral institutions for the 21st century, three Fs – food, fuel, and fertilizers, and women-led development.
Reddy emphasized how tourism can contribute to achieving the SDGs outlined in the Goa Roadmap at the UNWTO. India’s vision for G20 Presidency is to support the transformation of tourism towards a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future. The ‘GOA Roadmap for Tourism’ focuses on promoting decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation, infrastructure, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, and partnerships for the goals. Reddy also discussed the “Travel for LiFE” movement aligned with the Mission Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) movement.
Regarding SDG advancement, Reddy highlighted the G-20 Tourism Working Group Priorities, which include green tourism, digitization, skills development, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and destination management. India’s National Tourism policy recognizes sustainability as a principle that applies across the tourism value chain. The country’s National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism (NSST) is based on seven pillars, including environmental, economic, and socio-cultural sustainability, protection of biodiversity, certification of sustainable tourism, sensitization of responsible travel through Travel for LiFE, capacity building through skill development, global tourism plastics initiative, and responsible traveler campaign through YUVA Tourism Clubs.
Reddy addressed how India balances its growth aspirations with the threat of climate change. India is the world’s third-largest producer of renewable energy and is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2070. Despite being home to a significant population, India’s historical cumulative emissions and per capita emissions are relatively low. The country has made significant progress in transitioning to non-fossil fuel sources for electricity generation, such as hydro, wind, and solar. Initiatives like the UJALA LED bulb campaign and the National Hydrogen Mission further contribute to reducing emissions.
In summary, G Kishan Reddy highlighted India’s priorities for G20, its commitment to sustainable tourism, and its efforts to address climate change through renewable energy and emission reduction initiatives.
