​Women-led development, planet survival and development-focused data on spotlight in India's new seven-year action plan

Many climate experts expressed discontent when India designated 2070 as the target year to reach net zero carbon emissions. Not only was this deadline two precious decades beyond what would be needed to avert the climate crisis, but some were also concerned that we were "losing" to China, who had also set a delayed deadline for 2060.

Much has changed since the announcement in 2021. Apart from an outpour of funding to actually enable the green transition, notable figures such as the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, appreciated India's climate efforts. However, the highly-criticised deadline still lingered at 2070.

Fortunately, a new seven-year action plan shines a beacon of hope.

At the G20 Development Ministers' Meeting, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar put forward the "ambitious" action plan to help expedite progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As most are aware by now, the SDG encompasses a list of targets to work towards to attain equality and healthy living on the planet. These include items such as poverty, gender disparities, healthcare and climate change.

According to Jaishankar, the new plan will focus on three main agendas: fostering data for development, investing in women-led development; and securing global just transitions to help ensure the planet's future survival.

Considering India ranked in the bottom five regarding women's economic participation and opportunities as per last year's World Economic Forum Gender Gap report, strengthening women's development is paramount. Therefore, the added focus in the new plan is, indeed, a very welcome move.

"From the pandemics to disruptions in supply chains, from the impact of conflict to climate events, our era is becoming more volatile and uncertain by the day. Added to this is stubborn inflation, rising interest rates and shrinking fiscal space for many nations," Jaishankar notes.

As climate change wreaks havoc on the Earth, the weaker sections of society unfairly bear the brunt of its evil deeds. And as generations pass, grief and suffering accumulate and multiply. These sects are also disproportionately threatened by the prevailing debt, food and energy crises.

Hopefully, the new seven-year plan, that Jaishankar has described as "coordinated, integrated and inclusive", will help significantly to slow down the cycle.

"As 'One Earth', we must demonstrate solidarity for those in need. Truly leave no one behind, mobilise resources and direct our efforts where they are most needed. As 'One Family', we must break all silos and destroy all fragmentations," he insisted.

Recommended stories: