Ranchi, February 15: The two-day conference ‘Sustainable Transition for Future-Ready Jharkhand’ culminated with a resounding call to synchronize efforts towards a just transition alongside achieving inclusive social development goals.
The convergence of over 300 delegates spanning government officials, industry representatives and sustainability experts from 30 countries yielded pivotal recommendations like creating institutional financing mechanisms for driving transition measures, securing climate finance to propel green growth, fostering an enabling ecosystem to drive innovation, and nurturing partnerships across diverse stakeholders.
The event was organised by the Jharkhand government Task Force on Sustainable Just Transition, with support from Centre for Environment and Energy Development (CEED) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (India) and the World Resources Institute (India).
Avinash Kumar, development commissioner and additional chief secretary, energy department highlighted the critical need to embrace green growth through energy transition for advancement of inclusive future.
He laid emphasis on delicately balancing societal expectations, environment preservation, and economic advancement in the transition process. He also suggested creating an institutional mechanism for sustainable transition.
He assured that the state government will earnestly consider the recommendations from the conference to make these integral part of future course of actions.
Ajoy Kumar Singh, principal secretary, health pointed out that the sustainable transition process in Jharkhand requires the procurement of climate finance to create new economic opportunities, build social infrastructure, drive technological innovations and inclusive development.
Vandana Dadel, principal secretary, forest noted that sustainability and inclusivity are the core tenets of sustainable transition.
“Decentralised planning right from the panchayat level, inclusion of the indigenous knowledge in climate resilience measures and capacitation of community and multiple stakeholders are key to a shared journey towards transition,” said Dadel.
A.K. Rastogi, chairperson Task Force-Sustainable Just Transition stressed that it has become abundantly clear that we are on the cusp of a profound shift towards a green economy. As outcomes, the conference has fostered collaborations, shared knowledge and laid emphasis on developing an institution mechanism for sustainable transition and creating a dedicated transition fund for accelerating future directions.
Conference further put emphasis on creating a knowledge hub and a centre of excellence in Jharkhand.